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

Wales aerospace, defence, security and space sectors add £2bn to economy
Welsh flag
Wales aerospace, defence, security and space sectors add £2bn to economy
According to new ADS data, Wales’ aerospace, defence, security and space industries contributed £2 billion to the economy in 2025, and supported more than 18,500 highly skilled jobs.
Heathrow expansion faces renewed opposition from London Mayor and Friends of the Earth
Heathrow third runway
Heathrow expansion faces renewed opposition from London Mayor and Friends of the Earth
London Mayor Sadiq Khan and Friends of the Earth have renewed their objections to the Heathrow expansion, as ministers continue reviewing plans for a third runway.
Aerospace

3 Sep 2026

Ryanair cuts winter flights as rising fuel costs squeeze growth
Ryanair aircraft tails
Ryanair cuts winter flights as rising fuel costs squeeze growth
Ryanair is cutting winter capacity and reducing its FY27 passenger target from 216 million to 214 million as soaring jet fuel prices increase the cost of unhedged fuel.
Aerospace

3 Sep 2026

Wales aerospace, defence, security and space sectors add £2bn to economy
Welsh flag
Wales aerospace, defence, security and space sectors add £2bn to economy
According to new ADS data, Wales’ aerospace, defence, security and space industries contributed £2 billion to the economy in 2025, and supported more than 18,500 highly skilled jobs.
GE Aerospace to advance hypersonic testing for US DIU
New Flight Body
GE Aerospace to advance hypersonic testing for US DIU
As part of its progression of hypersonic testing solutions for next-gen capabilities, GE Aerospace is working with the US Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) on developing a test platform for the Hypersonic and High-Cadence Airborne Testing Capabilities (HyCAT) programme.
Defence Member News Test

3 Sep 2026

MOD launches £5m hunt for technology to counter mass drone attacks
UK Dragonfly laser and drone
MOD launches £5m hunt for technology to counter mass drone attacks
The Ministry of Defence is seeing new weapons and technologies to counter mass drone attacks, with up to £5 million available through the MOD's new Project PANOPTES competition.
Defence

3 Sep 2026

Wales aerospace, defence, security and space sectors add £2bn to economy
Welsh flag
Wales aerospace, defence, security and space sectors add £2bn to economy
According to new ADS data, Wales’ aerospace, defence, security and space industries contributed £2 billion to the economy in 2025, and supported more than 18,500 highly skilled jobs.
Open Cosmos selected for UK satellite communications framework
Earth from space.
Open Cosmos selected for UK satellite communications framework
Open Cosmos is to provide secure communications to the UK Government’s Tactical Communications (TacSys) framework, with the company’s LEO constellation supporting UK ambitions to build a resilient sovereign network to avoid reliance on mega-constellations.
Serco awarded RAF Fylingdales early warning radar contract
RAF Fylingdales
Serco awarded RAF Fylingdales early warning radar contract
As part of the contract, a new software analytical tool developed by Serco - with the RAF and UK Space Command - is set to enhance RAF Fylingdales' detection and tracking system.
BMT launches Maritime Autonomous Systems e-learning course
eFleet
BMT launches Maritime Autonomous Systems e-learning course
As autonomous technologies rapidly evolve and the autonomy skills gap widens, BMT's maritime autonomy specialists have developed a new e-learning course to cultivate broader understanding of autonomy beyond specialist engineering teams.
Open Cosmos selected for UK satellite communications framework
Earth from space.
Open Cosmos selected for UK satellite communications framework
Open Cosmos is to provide secure communications to the UK Government’s Tactical Communications (TacSys) framework, with the company’s LEO constellation supporting UK ambitions to build a resilient sovereign network to avoid reliance on mega-constellations.
Serco awarded RAF Fylingdales early warning radar contract
RAF Fylingdales
Serco awarded RAF Fylingdales early warning radar contract
As part of the contract, a new software analytical tool developed by Serco - with the RAF and UK Space Command - is set to enhance RAF Fylingdales' detection and tracking system.