General Atomics

Smiths Detection strengthens border security in Trinidad & Tobago

Smiths Detection has successfully delivered and installed four state-of-the-art HCVM XL mobile scanners to the Customs and Excise Division (CED) of Trinidad & Tobago.



Image courtesy Smiths Detection

The deployment forms part of a broader effort to enhance national security and combat the growing threats of drug trafficking and organised crime.
 
The contract, awarded to Sectus Technologies, a trusted distributor of Smiths Detection, includes the supply of four HCVM XL units, along with comprehensive programme management, technical and operator training, train-the-trainer sessions, installation and Year 2 extended warranty services.
 
Installations were completed at the Port of Spain in November 2024 and at the Port of Point Lisas in January 2025.
 
Smiths Detection’s HCVM XL mobile scanners provide high-energy X-ray imaging for Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII) of cargo, enabling customs officers to rapidly and accurately identify illicit goods without disrupting the flow of trade. These units will significantly expand the CED’s scanning capabilities, reduce wait times for the trade community and support efforts to increase transparency and efficiency at key ports of entry.
 
Trinidad and Tobago lies on a major transshipment corridor between drug-producing regions and high-demand consumer markets. Like many Caribbean and South American nations, this has made the country vulnerable to trafficking-related crime and violence. As part of a national security strategy, the government has prioritised investment in advanced technologies to enhance border protection and disrupt criminal supply chains.
 
Smiths Detection and its local partner Sectus Technologies have built a longstanding relationship with the CED and are committed to delivering solutions that make a tangible difference to national security.

Related

Major drone incident could shut UK airport within five years, expert warns
Drone flying near commercial airplane
Major drone incident could shut UK airport within five years, expert warns
A major drone incident is “almost certain” to close a UK airport for a prolonged period within the next five years, according to a senior counter-UAS industry expert.
Aerospace Magazine

16 Oct 2026

Royal Navy deploys Merlin HM2 helicopters to protect UK nuclear deterrent
Image: MOD Crown Copyright/Royal Navy
Royal Navy deploys Merlin HM2 helicopters to protect UK nuclear deterrent
The Royal Navy has deployed four Merlin HM2s to Scotland to rehearse nuclear deterrent protection and demonstrate the helicopter’s advanced ASW capabilities.
Aerospace Defence

16 Oct 2026

Airport chiefs urge government to tackle business rates
Manchester Airport
Airport chiefs urge government to tackle business rates
AirportsUK chair Baroness Ruby McGregor-Smith has warned rising costs risk holding back future investment.
Aerospace

15 Oct 2026

BAE Systems to design satellite comms terminals for US Space Force
Satellite
BAE Systems to design satellite comms terminals for US Space Force
Building on its space-hardened family of software-defined radios, BAE Systems will develop resilient ultra-compact radio-frequency (RF) terminals for the US Space Force.
Defence Member News

16 Oct 2026

North Defence, Strongs launch joint venture ahead of British Army LMV competition
Image: North Defence
North Defence, Strongs launch joint venture ahead of British Army LMV competition
North Defence and Strongs have formed a UK manufacturing joint venture to support the LMV MKIII as the British Army’s £2bn LMV competition intensifies.
Defence

16 Oct 2026

UK Armed Forces dig in with new construction equipment
JCB equipment
UK Armed Forces dig in with new construction equipment
A £26 million investment in new construction and earth moving equipment is set to modernise the UK Armed Forces’ operational fleet for building new roads and bases.
Defence

16 Oct 2026

Viasat orders ALL.​SPACE Hydra MAX Terminals for Ka-band networks
ALL.SPACE Hydra
Viasat orders ALL.​SPACE Hydra MAX Terminals for Ka-band networks
Viasat has placed an order for multiple ALL.​SPACE Hydra MAX terminals approved to operate on Viasat's global NextGen Ka-band network, providing resilient SATCOM connectivity for defence and government users.
Defence Member News Space

15 Oct 2026

Cornwall Space Cluster launches £15k legal support programme for space SMEs
Goonhilly satellite near Cornwall Space Cluster
Cornwall Space Cluster launches £15k legal support programme for space SMEs
Cornwall Space Cluster has partnered with Stephens Scown to offer specialist legal advice to space businesses, helping them protect intellectual property, prepare for investment and support future growth.
Space

15 Oct 2026

ClearSpace selected to deliver UK’s first active debris removal mission
ClearSpace removing space debris
ClearSpace selected to deliver UK’s first active debris removal mission
The UK-led programme will remove two defunct satellites while creating specialist jobs, supporting supply chains and building capability in the growing in-orbit services sector.
Space

15 Oct 2026

Police officers risk accidental AI misconduct, watchdog warns
National Police Chiefs Council photo of police on duty
Police officers risk accidental AI misconduct, watchdog warns
The Independent Office for Police Conduct has warned that officers and staff risk misconduct investigations for inappropriate AI use.
Security

16 Oct 2026

NAD and CDS want accelerated capability as DSEI UK 27 launched
NAD and CDS launch DSEI UK 27
NAD and CDS want accelerated capability as DSEI UK 27 launched
As the National Armaments Director (NAD) and the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) launched DSEI UK 2027 yesterday, they said faster capability delivery, greater innovation and improved readiness are required to ensure the UK and its allies are suitably prepared for any future conflict.
Warwickshire Police turns to AI to review the quality of investigations
Chat with AI or Artificial Intelligence technology. Man touching chatting virtual with an intelligent artificial intelligence asks for the answers he wants. Smart assistant futuristic, Chatbot,
Warwickshire Police turns to AI to review the quality of investigations
An eight-agent system checks investigation records against policing standards, with officers retaining responsibility for decisions.
Security

14 Oct 2026