Smiths advanced x-ray equipment helps Peruvian authorities seize 900 kilos of narcotics

Smiths Detection’s mobile x-ray system helps customs and police detect illegal contraband in South America

31 October 2006 - SMITHS Detection, part of the global technology business Smiths Group, today announced that its advanced mobile x-ray inspection equipment has helped Peruvian authorities seize one of the largest drug smuggling shipments in the country’s history.

A team of Peruvian customs and police officers used a Smiths Detection Silhouette Scan CAB 2000 to conduct a preliminary inspection on a suspicious container. A thorough physical inspection resulted in the capture of 900 kilograms (1,800 pounds) of narcotics, with an estimated street value of $25 million.

Smiths Detection is a world leading provider of chemical, biological and explosives detection equipment and x-ray screening systems. Stephen Phipson, Group Managing Director of Smiths Detection, said: “This is another significant win for our equipment in Latin America and we are proud to have our equipment working behind the scenes to help authorities better control cargo passing through their ports.

“Our cutting-edge technology, deployed in Peru and many other countries in Latin America, enables safer and simpler trading between countries.”

Smiths Detection’s Silhouette Scan CAB 2000 is a transportable x-ray inspection system that rapidly inspects trucks and containers without the need to open them. High-quality images produced by the advanced x-ray system enable customs and police to discover anomalies and discrepancies reliably. In this case, authorities were able to confirm the need for physical inspection. Advanced x-ray technology such as the Cab 2000 helps customs officials avoid unnecessary and time-consuming manual inspections, which can result in freight damage or loss.


About Smiths Group
Smiths is a global technology business, listed on the London Stock Exchange. Smiths Group is a world leader in the practical application of advanced technologies. Our products and services make the world safer, healthier and more productive. Smiths Group has four divisions: Aerospace, Detection, Medical and Specialty. It employs 32,000 people and has over 250 major facilities in 50 countries.


Smiths Detection
Smiths Detection is part of the global technology business Smiths Group. It offers advanced integrated security solutions for customers in civil and military markets worldwide and is a leading technology developer and manufacturer of sensors that detect and identify explosives, chemical and biological agents, weapons, and contraband. Its advanced technology security solutions also include Smiths Heimann x-ray imaging systems, millimeter-wave technology and a specialist software supply business for the management of large sensor and video surveillance networks. Separate business units focus on related products for the life sciences, and food manufacturing industries.


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