Customs officers have received sophisticated inspection equipment under a $10 million project to help them detect smuggling or other criminal activities at Tonga's borders.

China has provided non-intrusive imaging inspection equipment that will assist the Ministry of Revenue and Customs better manage Tonga's border

Mr Ruan Dewen, Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of China, officiated the handover to Prime Minister Hon Hu’akavameiliku, (also the Acting Minister of Revenue and Customs) on 25 August, at the Customs Building in Nuku'alofa.

He said in May this year, China's State Counselor and Foreign Minister Mr. Wang Yi visited and Tonga and signed the handover certificate.

The total amount of the project is around US$10 million, comprising of two sets of x-ray inspection equipment, three sets of computed tomography inspection equipment, and one set of mobile container/vehicle inspection equipment, said Mr Ruan.

"I am confident this equipment will promote Tonga Custom's ability and efficiency to crack down on smuggling, especially illicit drug smuggling, and bring peace and safety to the community.”

Hon. Hu’akavameiliku in receiving the vital equipment expressed Tonga’s profound gratitude for this significant assistance from the government and people of China.

He said this comprises of non-intrusive imaging equipment that will assist the Ministry of Revenue and Customs, in its prime national border management and security responsibility.

"I have every confidence that this crucial and comprehensive project will enable the Ministry to attain its vision and mission to sustain our national security and sovereignity, via border control policy and legislative compliance, with particular reference to promoting trade and combating illicit drugs and other resulting trafficking crimes."