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| Scanner Expected To Speed Up Rail Traffic |
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Posted by CN Staff on May 21, 2002 at 16:51:15 PT By J. Noel Espinoza, The Brownsville Herald Source: Brownsville Herald 
A non-intrusive imaging system that scans railcars passing through the B&M International Bridge should be completed by the end of the month, bridge officials said Monday.U.S. Customs spokesman Rick Pauza said the system, known as VACIS, or Vehicle and Cargo Inspection System, is similar to the system that scans tractor-trailers. "It can scan the railcars for narcotics and anything harmful for the people in the United States," Pauza said. The $1.3 million system, including construction costs, uses gamma ray technology to meticulously inspect cargo freight — providing inspectors a hands-off option. "It’s like another set of eyes," Pauza said. "It can detect chemicals and weapons of mass destruction." The VICAS is expected to cut travel time for trains crossing from Mexico to the United States and vice versa. It offers a high-tech edge for inspectors who currently employ drug-sniffing dogs and handheld density meters to monitor cross-border traffic. "This is some of the latest technology that we’re using to help further our anti-terrorism measures and also to seize narcotics," Pauza said. With the help of a similar system in Laredo, Pauza said Customs inspectors removed nearly 2,000 pounds of marijuana from inside a railcar arriving from Mexico last March. "This was an excellent seizure," said David Higgerson, acting U.S. Customs port director in Laredo. "A combination of high technology and good inspector work resulted in the first major seizure of marijuana we have seen in rail (cars) in Laredo in recent years." Mexican officials could not be reached for comment Monday but U.S. officials said a similar system is being built on the Mexican side of the B&M Bridge. Construction workers could be seen Monday working on the Mexican end of the bridge. "It (VICAS) will inspect trains that come and go into each country more efficiently and more effectively," Jose F. Galvan, president and CEO for B&M International Bridge, said. "It means the train should move faster because they aren’t going to open the cars," he said. "The machine is supposed to do (inspect) tankers, railcars and auto racks. It will be able to see right through them. This is really good." Galvan noted that a new switching yard under construction in Olmito will allow northbound trains to move faster through Brownsville as well. Complete Title: Scanner Expected To Speed Up Rail Traffic at Bridge Source: Brownsville Herald, The (TX) CannabisNews Justice Archives Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help |
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