see also: in October 2008:   Mexican Military Makes Accidental Incursion into the U.S.   CBP Officers Apprehend Illegal Alien Hidden on Rail Car   Border Patrol Agents Make Several Drug Seizures Near Laredo   CBP Officers at the Calexico Downtown Port of Entry Intercept Cocaine Smuggling Attempt   CBP to Open Andrade Port of Entry Earlier During Agriculture Harvest Season   Layered Enforcement Snags U.S. Citizen, Foils 3 Smuggling Attempts   CBP Announces Online Method for Meeting SENTRI Vehicle Requirements ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

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Mobile, Ala. - U. S. Customs and Border Protection unveiled the first radiation portal monitors at the Port of Mobile, Ala. yesterday, the agency announced today. These highly sophisticated tools are designed to prevent any attempts to smuggle radiological materials used in nuclear weapons into the United States.

The five portal monitors now in operation act as an extremely sensitive receiving antenna to detect radiation sources. A radiation portal monitor is a detection device that provides CBP with a passive, non-intrusive means to screen trucks and other conveyances for the presence of nuclear and radiological materials.

These systems are capable of detecting various types of radiation emanating from nuclear devices, dirty bombs, special nuclear materials, natural sources, and isotopes commonly used in medicine and industry. They are completely safe for anyone passing by them; they are passive “detectors” of radiation, not emitters of radiation.

“RPMs are just one component in our layered defense; intelligence analysis, a highly trained and dedicated workforce, and partnership with the trade community are also key elements to ensure port security,” said Robert C. Gomez, CBP operations director for the Atlanta/New Orleans region.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.