Honolulu – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Port of Honolulu’s Pier 1 now have a new, highly sophisticated radiation detection device to prevent any attempts to smuggle radiological materials used in nuclear weapons into the U.S., officials announced today. This is part of a nationwide CBP effort to install devices at ports of entry.  

“The passive, ground-mounted device, called Radiation Portal Monitor (RPM) will enhance CBP’s already formidable detection capabilities to screen vehicles and cargo leaving Pier 1,” said Hilda Montoya, acting port director for the Port of Honolulu. “The best way to prevent a terrorist attack is by preventing terrorists or terrorist weapons from entering the U.S.,” Montoya said. “This portal monitor will help keep our nation secure.”  

The portal now in operation acts as an extremely sensitive receiving antenna to detect radiation sources. It is a passive device, which means it does not emit any radiation and is completely safe. CBP has worked closely with Hawaii’s Departments of Transportation and Health as well as the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory to have the device installed.  

The portal monitors are capable of detecting various types of radiation emanating from vehicles or containers. CBP’s emphasis is toentify radiation from nuclear devices, dirty bombs, and other sources. The device is sensitive and will alsoentify common natural sources of radiation that are found in earthenware, certain agriculture commodities, and smoke detectors.  

In addition to the portal monitors, CBP Officers currently use hand-held Radiation Isotopeentifier Devices and Personal Radiation Detectors. The portal monitor working together with these devices will ensure that any critical radioactive sources areentified.  

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