Australian Border Force (ABF) operational teams will now be able to better screen incoming sea freight at various sites across the state, with a focus on detecting contraband including narcotics, illicit tobacco, vapes and firearms.

ABF officers will commence familiarisation training on the new mobile x-ray unit or MXU this week, with an emphasis on how to safely drive, deploy and operate the equipment.

The new MXU is a custom manufactured piece of kit – notably larger than previous versions in service with ABF – providing an increased x-ray capability.

The ABF operates one of the largest government fleets of x-ray equipment in Australia, including capabilities that can x-ray shipping containers in the sea cargo system, pallets in the air and sea cargo system, through to capabilities that scan individual items of baggage, mail and cargo, and the new MXU will augment this capability in Tasmania.

Superintendent Dan Peters believes ABF officers based in Tasmania will benefit from this technology upgrade, as it will significantly enhance their ability to examine a range of sea, air and land cargo.

“With the arrival of the new mobile x-ray unit into Tasmania, our focus – as it is across all of Australia – will be on detecting narcotics including cocaine and methamphetamine, as well as illicit tobacco and vapes, firearms, and other abhorrent products such as Child Exploitation Material – providing an enhanced capacity to keep the people of Tasmania safe,” Superintendent Peters said.

“We continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to disrupt criminal activity and prevent a range of illicit and harmful goods from entering the Tasmanian community.”

TasPorts CEO, Anthony Donald, said they were pleased to provide space for the Australian Border Force to launch its new mobile x-ray unit in Hobart.

“As operators of Tasmania’s multi-port network, TasPorts maintains a strong relationship with the Australian Border Force to ensure thorough monitoring of cargo, passenger, and freight operations entering the state,” Mr Donald said.

“We hope this new technology can further enhance detection capabilities, protecting Tasmania’s borders and ports and, in turn, keeping our local communities safe.”

Members of the community are encouraged to report suspicious border-related activity through Border Watch at abf.gov.au/borderwatch. By reporting suspicious activities, you help protect Australia’s border and the community. Reports can be made anonymously.