Fact Sheet

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May 15, 2002

New customs inspection tools being acquired for Halifax

Following is a list of customs inspection equipment being put into service this year at Halifax by the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (CCRA).

A low-energy "scan trailer" mobile x-ray system to increase our capacity to examine cargo on a timely basis at dockside, at our own inspection facilities, or at airports. This $200,000 system will be in place by July 2002.

A state-of-the-art truck-mounted high-energy mobile inspection system using a Cobalt 60 energy source to safely and effectively examine whole containers or other large quantities of cargo at one time. This technology provides a significantly higher level of penetration than other units now being used by Canada Customs. Among the very best in the world, this system will cost the CCRA about $2 million. We expect this unit will be operational in Halifax later this summer.

A new high-energy stationary cargo inspection system will greatly increase our capacity to examine large volumes of cargo quickly and with great accuracy at our Customs Container Inspection Facility in Halifax. This system will cost the CCRA $1.2 million.

Other equipment:

• Roll-in x-ray system for our container examination facility. Cost: $70,000
• Baggage x-ray system for our operations at Halifax International Airport. Cost $65,000
• Ion mobility spectrometer, a state-of-the art system to detect minute traces of narcotics. Cost: $60,000
• Electronic dosimeters to protect the health and safety of customs inspectors against illicit shipments of radioactive materials.

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