The Ministry of Finance yesterday announced that Nuctech Company Ltd., of Beijing China, is the company selected to supply and install a new $2.6 million X-ray scanning system, designed to stem the flow of guns and drugs into Bermuda, on the Hamilton Docks.

Last year Minister of Finance Paula Cox said that her Ministry was in the process of selecting vendors for the X-ray equipment.

"Today, I am pleased to report further progress of the X-Ray Scanning Project for the Hamilton Docks," she said yesterday. "Last September, I provided a detailed briefing to the public which set out some fundamental facts about the role of HM Customs and how it discharges its duties.

"A major aspect of the briefing was what this Government was doing to address in particular, the interdiction of firearms into the Island.

"Last year, HM Customs had arranged for the purchase and installation of a specialised container X-ray unit for the Hamilton docks.

"Following an intensive evaluation of four proposals I am pleased to announce that Nuctech Ltd. of Beijing China has been selected to supply and install the scanning equipment on the Hamilton Docks."

According to Ms Cox the X-ray equipment and costs related to it's installation will be payed for via the confiscated assets fund – monies confiscated under the proceeds if crime act. She expects the equipment to arrive in Bermuda in September and be operational in November.

Minister Cox said: "Once fully operational, this specialised apparatus will enable a greater percentage of containers to be examined.

Additionally the introduction of this equipment will ensure that we are in compliance with international standards. As a note, the US will soon require all containers destined for the US to be x-rayed prior to departure to the US.

"It is Government's hope that the introduction of this equipment will greatly assist in making Bermuda safer."

Nuctech Company Ltd. specialises in high-energy security systems. They currently have equipment being put to use in over 88 countries.