Greek CSI operation gets underway
U.S. Customs and Border Protection inspectors have begun checking U.S.-bound containers at the Port of Piraeus in Athens, Greece as part of the Container Security Initiative.
Piraeus is the 20th port to adopt the security program. Under the program, U.S. inspectors use intelligence and data analysis to identify shipments associated with smuggling or terrorist activity for partner customs’ authorities to scan.
Greece agreed to participate in CSI just one month ago. The program was quickly set up to provide extra security in advance of the Olympics, which Greece is hosting in August. The United States is temporarily loaning Greece two mobile container gamma-ray machines. One will be used for CSI and the other at Olympic venues, according to Customs Commissioner Robert Bonner.