:quality(85)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/infobae/AC4SCWI76REA7LAR6N2KXW7QXA.jpg "Scanners and national manufacturing: Customs invests in technology")
As many know, we communicate every day all kinds of discoveries as a result of the expertise of the personnel employed at the borders of Argentina from the General Directorate of Customs. Thanks to a combination of analysis and intuition, the agency’s special agents detect irregularities that are sometimes truly extraordinary.
Ever since I returned to head the Customs Department in 2022, it has become clear to me that in a country like ours with a border of nearly 15 thousand kilometers, it is necessary to incorporate technology to control international trade.
We should not forget the fact that Argentina is a point of strategic importance for the Southern Cone, as it provides a quick exit to the Atlantic for the region’s economies. In this framework, investment in technology helps detect illegal activities: smuggling, arms trafficking, explosives, banned chemical substances and drugs. But it speeds up the flow of goods and people with greater security.
Five trailer-type scanners were purchased for containers and large vehicles, allowing deepening of control over drug smuggling and smuggling at port terminals and border crossings.
That is why in the last 14 months, after 9 years without any integration, we have acquired 44 new scanners and upgraded the Customs Single Monitoring Center (CUMA) with satellite tracking of trucks and over 7,500 cameras at the terminals. , airports and customs warehouses across the country.
In particular, we have acquired 5 trailer-type scanners for containers and large vehicles, which allows us to deepen control of drug smuggling and smuggling at port terminals and border crossings in Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil and Uruguay. It should be noted that in the province of Entre Ríos alone, Argentina Customs has more container scanners than the entire Republic of Uruguay.
At Ezeiza International Airport we have added 25 new state-of-the-art X-ray machines that provide views from two different angles simultaneously, helping to detect violations. These types of scanners were put into operation at the border crossings of La Quiaca, Salvador Mazza, Gualeguaychú and Mendoza Airport.
In the last 14 months, after 9 years without any consolidation, we have procured 44 new scanners of various types and revamped the Customs Single Monitoring Center (CUMA).
The scanners even make it possible to detect people traveling to other countries with drug capsules—popularly known as mules. The Body scan Ezeiza Airport increased the detection of these maneuvers by 100% in 2023 compared to 2022.
Now, the modernization of enforcement tools is essential not only to combat drug trafficking and organized crime: ultimately, they help protect those who comply with our nation’s regulations. In this sense, customs investments in technology contribute to ensuring fair conditions for national production and employment.
Written by Director General of Customs
