Finance chief: Customs focused on enforcement

Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, fourth left, leads the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Division of Customs Service’s X-ray facility held yesterday at the Tanapag Harbor. Others in photo are, from left, House Speaker Rafael S. Demapan (R-Saipan), Senate vice president Arnold I. Palacios (R-Saipan), Marianas Visitors Authority managing director Chris Concepcion, Department of Finance Secretary Larrisa Larson, Lt. Gov. Victor B. Hocog, Customs director Jose C. Mafnas, pastor Fred Fatiolofa, and Attorney General Edward Manibusan. (Jon Perez)

Department of Finance Secretary Larrisa Larson said they are dedicating all the needed resources to the Division of Customs Service for enforcement and protection of the CNMI’s ports—airport and seaport.

Customs held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new X-ray machine yesterday at the CNMI Customs’ office at the Tanapag Harbor. The X-ray costs more than $500,000 with the funds coming from the $2.3 million collected from the Marianas Visitors Authority’s hotel occupancy tax for Fiscal Year 2016.

Larson said the X-ray machine is part of Customs’ enforcement compliance, which is one of Finance’s major focus. “I’ve always said that the key to economic prosperity outside of the investments coming in is compliance in enforcement.”

“The X-ray machine and detector dogs are key components toward achieving that goal. And we need to continue focusing on it. We are dedicating resources in these areas,” added Larson.

She said the support and partnership done by all government law enforcement agencies kept the CNMI safe. “With your support and partnership we are successful in deterring a lot of criminal elements coming to the CNMI.”

Customs director Jose C. Mafnas said the new X-ray machine is a critical need in border management. “We are here to show off our brand new equipment. X-ray machines facilitate in the movement of passengers and lessen the hours of the inspection process of goods coming in.”

“It can also penetrate and find the most concealed metal, find other contraband. It is proper and needed to protect our borders,” said Mafnas, who added that without the machine the inspection and search process would take Customs officers hours or days.

“Searching and inspection of 20- or 40-foot containers would last for hours or a day, and it would be a difficult task to all officers without the X-ray machine. The machine is also good for business since it would make the inspection of goods coming in easier.”

Gov. Ralph DLG Torres said the new X-ray is also tourism-related. “Officers now have the tools and resources to make their work efficient. But be always cautious in doing your work.”

The late govenor Eloy S. Inos and Torres, who was then the lieutenant governor, approved the Fiscal Year 2016 budget that allocated the money in purchasing the X-ray machine. Then Senate president Victor B. Hocog and Senate vice president Arnold Palacios (R-Saipan) also pushed for the project.