Monrovia – The president of the National Customs Brokers Association of Liberia James Hinneh says the lack of scanning machines and other modern equipment and facilities at the country’s seaports has made the country vulnerable to illegal importations.
By: Christopher C.Walker 0777898224/0886723075 [email protected]
Citing the recent confiscation of 520kg of cocaine and last week’s discovery of several military-grade weapons, Hinneh wants the National Port Authority and other agencies and companies responsible for handlings and management of the port to ensure that quality services are provided.
“Even though people are repeatedly paying for these equipment and facilities, they are not available,” he said.
According to him, the relevant authorities only focus more on the CTN which gives them more money rather than taking into key consideration security issues which are very important at the port and the country in general.
Speaking at a news conference last Friday, the Custom Brokers president blamed key stakeholders in the sector for the repeated arrival of illegal shipments into the country. He said custom brokers should be blamed.
“Customs brokers only operate on documents and physical examination,” he said.
Hinneh said the lack of scanning machines at the destination site is seriously affecting trade and revenue generation in the country and needs to be addressed soon.
Speaking on the discovery of weapons at the Port, he said that the broker identified as Melvina Payne received a bill of landing and other necessary documents indicating cars, used clothes, shoes, and other legal materials and not guns or other illegal imports as was uncovered by national security following tips up.
However, he said, there were signals on the container issue and the relevant authorities were alerted before.
Hinneh who commended the APM Terminals for what he described as a cordial working relationship also encouraged the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to do the same with them and avoid the unending and unnecessary bureaucracy in their operations.
He said, the national port will continue to remain vulnerable until the right things are done by relevant authorities.