Between 60 and 80 per cent of cargo coming into the Island is now being screened by the X-ray scanner at Hamilton’s docks, according to Lucinda (Cindy) Pearman, the Collector of Customs.

Speaking to The Royal Gazette at the Customs Day open house held yesterday in the number six passenger terminal, Ms Pearman said the device was “going great” and that Customs was working toward 100 per cent screening.

On the issue of guns and ammunition smuggled into the Island, she said the facility was highly effective in keeping the Island secure.

“We have to remember that the officers are trained and they know what to look for,” she said. “Without their training they wouldn’t be able to pick it up. That’s the key.”

The event, attended by Michael Dunkley with Jeff Baron, the Junior Minister of National Security, showcased the variety of roles throughout Customs. Ms Pearman said it was “not a job you could get tired of”, although the Government’s hiring freeze has limited the degree to which officers could be rotated through different roles.

The Premier said it was the third annual open house, and that as the minister responsible he always came to support it.

“They have a very broad spectrum of what they have to do, and they do it with professionalism and courtesy,” Mr Dunkley said.