July 7, 2006

CBP, NNSA & the Dominican Republic To Join Nuclear Smuggling Prevention Effort

Dominican Republic To Participate in the Container Security Initiative

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Washington, D.C.— The Government of the Dominican Republic has signed a Declaration of Principles that will eventually lead to the implementation of two key U.S. programs designed to thwart the smuggling of nuclear and other radioactive materials into the U.S. via seagoing commerce.  The programs, the Container Security Initiative (CSI) and the Megaports Initiative, are administered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), respectively. 

“CBP’s highest priority is preventing the smuggling of illicit nuclear weapons and radiological materials into the U.S.,” said CBP Commissioner W. Ralph Basham.  “CSI is a cornerstone program that both strengthens security and facilitates the movement of legitimate trade.”

Under CSI, officers from both CBP and Immigration and Customs Enforcement are stationed at key seaports abroad to work with host governments to identify high-risk shipments bound for the U.S. and to examine these shipments prior to loading.  CSI operates at 44 ports in North America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and North, South and Central America.   About 75 percent of all cargo containers destined for U.S. shores originate in or are transshipped through CSI ports.

“Participation in CSI will go far toward protecting the avenues of trade between the Dominican Republic and the United States,” said Hans Hertell, U.S. Ambassador to the Dominican Republic.  “This protection is a key ingredient in the promotion of trade and the prosperity that increased trade will bring.” 

The Megaports Initiative involves working with foreign government to install non-intrusive inspection technology to quickly inspect containers deemed high risk.  The Megaports Initiative currently operates in six countries and is at various stages of implementation and negotiations with about 30 other countries worldwide. 

“It is critical for international security and the stability of the global economy that seaports have the capability to screen cargo for nuclear material that could be smuggled by terrorists,” said Linton Brooks, NNSA’s Administrator.  “Through partnerships, like the one reached with the Government of the Dominican Republic, we will be able to detect and deter illicit materials from being transported through the international maritime system.”

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U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control, and protection of our Nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry.  CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.