The Point Lisas Industrial Port Development Corporation Limited (PLIPDECO) and the Port of Port of Spain will soon receive scanners.
This is according to Minister of Works and Infrastructure Jearlean John, who said the former Comptroller of Customs had raised concerns about illegal guns and drugs entering the country through legitimate ports due to a lack of scanners.
She said the Comptroller had reduced the number of containers being examined daily from 150 to 60, citing security concerns, which she said disrupted businesses.
“Drugs and gun running free. What you think killing people? You think it’s a catapult? No, don’t shake your head. Slinging shots? It was guns coming in illegally. I have her letter. We begged her like a child to give us a chance. Up to now, because of the port and them, they learned how to suck eggs. You know, it hard. So PLIPDECO will get theirs in October. The Port of Port of Spain told me in October; now they tell me it’s next year February.”