Enhancing Libya's Security: Advanced Handheld X-ray Scanners Improve Detection of Illegal activities

Enhancing Libya's Security: Advanced Handheld X-ray Scanners Improve Detection of Illegal activities

Tripoli, Libya - In a major advancement for Libya's security, a handover ceremony was held on 11 June for four sophisticated handheld X-ray scanners featuring cutting-edge backscatter technology. These devices were provided by EUBAM Libya to officials from the Narcotics and Psychotropic Drugs Control Agency (ANGA) and the Libyan Customs Authority (LCA), with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) also in attendance, highlighting the event's significance.

The ceremony included a practical demonstration by EUBAM experts, effectively illustrating the scanners' capabilities in various illegal trade situations and showcasing different concealment methods. This demonstration emphasized the scanners' effectiveness in detecting hidden illegal items, including drugs and weapons.

A Transformative Tool for Law Enforcement: The introduction of these portable X-ray inspection systems represents a crucial advancement for Libyan law enforcement enabling detect illicit items, drugs, weapons and explosives. X-ray devices´ mobility allows for quick and adaptable use in various settings, such as official border crossings, remote checkpoints, urban areas, and during arrests and searches. This enhances the speed and efficiency of inspections, enabling officers to quickly scan suspicious packages, vehicles, or concealed compartments without extensive disassembly or lengthy physical searches.

These portable X-ray systems signify a vital technological upgrade for ANGA and LCA's inspection capabilities, improving their ability to inspect suspicious objects or vehicles.

Strengthening Collaborations and Future Training: This initiative also highlights EUBAM Libya's strong commitment to assisting Libyan institutions in enhancing their security capabilities. Such collaborations are essential for sharing knowledge, transferring critical technology, and promoting a cooperative approach to tackling complex issues like transnational crime and illegal trade. To ensure the effective use of these new handheld X-ray scanners and to achieve sustainable improvements in operational efficiency for both ANGA and LCA, a comprehensive training programme is planned for the future. This programme will involve anti-narcotics experts and customs officials, bringing valuable experience and best practices to the forefront.