Commercial vehicle X-ray inspection system now in use at I-35 checkpoint

U.S. Border Patrol is now utilizing new commercial vehicle screening technology at an I-35 checkpoint in Texas.

On July 2, US Border Patrol Laredo Sector (USBP) announced the deployment of a “Multi-Energy Portal (MEP)” at the I-35 Border Patrol Checkpoint in order “to meet the safety of the traveling public while facilitating and expediting trade.”

According to USBP Laredo Sector, the MEP is “an X-ray machine that is used to enhance inspections of commercial vehicles through heavy shielding, thus providing a safe and expedited examination.”

Officials say that the MEP can scan 150 containers per hour.

“CBP employs an in-depth, layered enforcement strategy to stop illegal activity, including narcotics smuggling, at our borders. CBP continues to utilize all of its available resources including non-intrusive technology as part of our layered enforcement strategy to stop these dangerous drugs from entering our communities. We are continuing to find new and better ways to target these dangerous drugs,” said U.S. Customs and Border Protection.