Smiths X-ray Scanner Helps French Customs Seize Record Drugs Haul

Smiths Detection’s mobile X-ray system uncovers $70 million of cocaine in a truck

Wiesbaden, Germany, 16 June 2009 - Smiths Detection today announced that its advanced mobile x-ray inspection equipment has helped French authorities seize one of the largest illegal drug shipments in the country’s history.

A Customs highway patrol from Montpellier used a Smiths Detection HCV Mobile system to scan a suspicious refrigerated truck crossing the border from Spain, though registered in Britain. A thorough X-ray inspection of the load -- pallets stacked with bags of potting soil --  resulted in the seizure of 684 kilos of cocaine with an estimated street value of $70 million.
This is a record for a drugs haul from a truck in France and the second time this year that a HCV Mobile scanner has helped French customs find drugs smuggled by road.  In January 123 kilos of cocaine, also hidden in a truck, were seized.

The HCV Mobile is designed to quickly scan trucks and containers without the need to open them. High-quality images enable customs and police to spot anomalies or discrepancies and in this case the authorities were able to confirm the need for physical inspection. Such technology helps avoid unnecessary and time-consuming manual inspections, which can result in freight damage or loss.

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Smiths Detection www.smithsdetection.com offers advanced security solutions in civil and military markets worldwide, developing and making government-regulated technology products that identify explosives, chemical and biological agents, weapons, and contraband.  It is part of Smiths Group www.smiths.com, a global leader in applying advanced technologies for markets in threat and contraband detection, energy, medical devices, communications and engineered components.  Smiths Group employs around 22,000 people in more than 50 countries

Media contact:

Charlotte Breitwieser
T: +49 611 9412 189
charlotte.breitwieser@smiths-heimann.com