A giant X-ray machine on wheels, more formally referred to as a mobile scanner capable of detecting the presence of drugs and radiation in freight containers has been purchased by Customs.
The contract to buy the €3 million euro device was signed today by Customs director general, Ms Josephine Feehily in the presence of his excellency the Chinese Ambassador Dr Sha Hailin.
Ms Feehily described the scanner as "an extremely important acquisition" adding that she hoped it would "play a critical role in the tackling the smuggling of contraband and drugs in commercial freight".
Ms Feehily also noted the scanner's ability to detect radiation would also contribute to Ireland honouring international security commitments.
It is due to be deployed in Autumn 2005.
The device was bought from specialist security firm, Nuctech (formerly Nuclear Technology Ltd) which originated at Tsinghua University.
The company is one of China's international success stories in commerce after its foundation in 1997.
It has offices in Brussels, Australia and Hong Kong, and has sold a range of security detection systems around the world.