Radiation sensor equipment supplied by the United States was commissioned yesterday at the Dominican Republic's port of Caucedo, the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration said (see GSN, July 10, 2006).
The detection equipment, deployed under the Energy Department’s Megaports Initiative, is intended to help prevent dangerous radiological and nuclear materials from being smuggled through the harbor.
"I am pleased to count the Dominican Republic as another partner in the worldwide effort to prevent nuclear proliferation and terrorism," NNSA Deputy Administrator William Tobey said in a statement. "The start of radiation detection at the port of Caucedo is another milestone in NNSA's efforts to enhance the global ability to deter, detect and interdict illicit shipments of special nuclear and radioactive materials."
Nuclear agency officials carried out the installation with support from the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo, Dominican Customs and the port operator DP World. Customs officials are now operating the equipment, which is expected to scan nearly all cargo moving through the major regional terminal. The U.S. agency is expected to provide the Dominican Republic with training and support for several years under the program.
The Megaports Initiative is part of the U.S. Energy Department’s Second Line of Defense program, which aims to prevent nuclear and radiological smuggling across the borders of participating nations (U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration release, Nov. 13).