From Panama and the Caribbean: U.S. Experts Train Customs Inspectors

Nuclear Smuggling Detection and Deterrence (NSDD) experts from the U.S. Department of Energy are training Panamanian, Central American, and Caribbean customs inspectors in Panama on techniques and practices against the illicit trade of nuclear materials, an official source said Tuesday.  Specifically, this is the international training workshop on radiation detection systems for personnel from Panama’s Technical Container Inspection Unit (Unitec) and customs agents from Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and Honduras, which is taking place at the headquarters of Panama’s National Customs Authority (ANA), according to a statement from that customs agency. 

The training aims to strengthen and exchange information, experiences, and best practices for the maintenance of radiological detection equipment, as well as to share knowledge in the fight against nuclear material smuggling.  In her greeting to the participants, Carmen Tapia, ANA’s deputy technical director, praised the workshop as “a fundamental tool for improving the skills of customs inspectors and their ability to maintain detection systems.”  Charles Gunzel of the U.S. Department of Energy emphasized “the importance of joint work among the region’s customs agencies to increase their technical capabilities in the fight against illicit trade.”

The training session will run from Tuesday to September 12 and is part of the development activities for the customs personnel who provide services at port facilities, according to official information.  ANA coordinates with Unitec to monitor container loading using non-intrusive inspection technology such as scanners and radiation monitoring portals.  This control contributes to security by preventing drug and weapons of mass destruction trafficking, as well as the trafficking of money, counterfeit goods, and contraband.