see also: in January 2006 News Releases:   CBP Border Patrol Agents Seize Marijuana and Methamphetamine in Yuma   $1 Million in Cocaine Seized at Nogales Port of Entry   Second Phase Of Enforcement for Wood Packaging Material Import Regulations to Begin Feb. 1   DHS Engages Private Sector on Border Technology   CBP Border Patrol Arrests Five Mara Salvatrucha Gang Members   CBP Border Patrol Agents Rescue 2 Aliens From Tractor Trailer   Maldives to Participate in Customs Asia Pacific Enforcement Reporting System ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

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San Juan, P.R. - This week Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) in Puerto Rico received two new mobile Radiation Portal Monitors (RPM) as part of the strategy to prevent terrorists and terrorist weapons from entering the country. This investment of about $700,000 will further enhance the security measures already established. Currently, CBP has six permanent RPM located throughout the Seaport. The mobile RPM enables screening technology to be mounted on a vehicle and moved thought the port, or other sites, making the screening process more efficient.

Radiation Portal Monitor (RPM) provide a passive, non-intrusive means to screen cars, trucks and containers for the presence of radioactive and nuclear materials. This system detects both gamma ray and neutron radiation emanating from natural sources. Customs and Border Protection must ultimately monitor and identify radiation at the Ports of Entry including international mail and express consignments facilities. RPM can detect radiation emanating from nuclear devices, dirty bombs, special nuclear materials and isotopes used in medicine and industry. The systems are totally passive and do not emit any radiation themselves.

Customs and Border Protection is constantly looking for ways to strengthen our domestic security measures, improving targeting techniques to ensure high-risk containers are examined. CBP use of advanced technology is a significant component in keeping America’s borders secure. CBP’s layered approach to security begins before a container is even laded onto a vessel at a foreign port. Radiation portal monitors are just one component of our layered defense; intelligence analysis, highly trained and dedicated workforce and partnership with the trade community are also key elements to ensure port security.

The newest radiation portal monitors will be used to inspect some of the over 100,000 containers entering Puerto Rico Seaports from foreign each year. These units will provide for a radiation and nuclear-free environment while allowing highly trained CBP officers to deter, detect and avoid potential terrorist attacks. Customs and Border Protection also has Radiation Isotope Identifier Devices or RIIDs. These devices are hand-held instruments capable of detecting and identifying various types of radiation emanating from radioactive materials, including materials used in nuclear or radiation dispersal weapons.

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.