“Malta’s Customs Department gives high priority to the fight against smuggling, illicit trade, organised crime and terrorism not only for security reasons but also to promote a level playing field in the commercial sector and to safeguard Government’s revenue,” Minister for Finance Edward Scicluna said at the inauguration of another new container scanner. 

This €1.7 million state of the art container scanner was partially funded through the EU Internal Security Fund and will be located at the Malta Freeport Terminals.

The Minister stated that the Government is aware of Malta’s obligations vis-a-vis it’s international commitments considering its geographical position. Thus, he said, Malta fully understands that no country can address such obligations without continual cooperation with other Customs and law enforcement agencies, including the sharing of information with OLAF, EUROPOL and the European Border and Coastguard Agency.

Professor Scicluna said that the Ministry for Finance will continue to invest further within the department of customs both by way of other non-intrusive tools and technical assistance.

This investment is expected to increase container inspections and increase seizures and will serve as a deterrent against the illicit movement of cargo without hindering work flow of trade within the Maltese ports.