Security measures in customs checkpoints

Romania is trying to improve border security by installing scanners.

Bogdan Matei, 11.11.2024, 14:00

Romania has 4 operational scanners in customs checkpoints, next month another 5 such systems will become operational, and next year 8 other scanners will be installed in customs checkpoints, according to data provided by the Romanian Customs Authority at the request of mass media.

The first scanners are already in place at the EU external borders: on the border with the Republic of Moldova since May 2024 and on the Ukrainian border since October. This December another one will be placed in Constanţa, Romania’s largest Black Sea port, 3 more on the Ukrainian border and another on the Serbian border.

Next year, Constanța and the checkpoints on the Moldovan and Ukrainian borders remain a priority for the installation of new scanners. As of 2026, the system is set to also include the borders with Hungary and Bulgaria, which are also EU member states, alongside Romania.

The Romanian Customs Authory announced that, since the scanners have been in place, over EUR 53,000, MDL 123,000 and 3,100 cigarettes have been found by customs officers while scanning 2 minibuses entering Romania from the Republic of Moldova. Both the undeclared money and the contraband cigarettes were hidden in the minibus ceilings and have been detected using the scanning system. Four handguns and lethal ammunition were also found.

“With each new scanner installed in customs checkpoints, we see both substantial improvements in the efficiency of customs checks, and changes in the conduct of those who attempt to circumvent the law. Such developments clearly indicate that our measures are not only necessary, but also efficient,” said the finance minister Marcel Boloș, to whom the customs authority is subordinated.

Meanwhile, tons of illegal drugs were seized by Romanian police in the first 9 months of this year—nearly 170 kg of high-risk drugs and 800 kg of risk drugs, 4 tons of cannabis, 7 tons of controlled doping substances seized from an illegal production facility and, in one of the most substantial seizures in the Port of Constanţa, 16 tons of fruit pulp containing cocaine. The police announced that 33 criminal groups were dismantled, comprising nearly 240 members.

Also in the first 9 months of this year, police workers seized more than 21 million contraband cigarettes and 6 tons of contraband tobacco. During operations to counter tobacco smuggling, preventive measures have been ordered against 119 people, 29 of whom were arrested. As part of these investigations, the police also ordered fines of EUR 1.4 million. (AMP)