NEW X-ray technology that can reveal drug smugglers' internal cavities will be trialled at airports under a plan to fast-track security searches.
Legislation before Federal Parliament would enable customs officers to use new body scanners instead of sending suspects to hospital for internal X-rays ordered by a doctor, reported the Herald Sun.
Federal police wasted more than 4600 hours in hospital waiting rooms last year because of drug smugglers waiting for scans.
More than 200 people were taken to hospital for internal searches, with almost 50 found to have drugs in their bodies.
Drug couriers captured by Australian authorities at airports last year were carrying a total of 27kg of drugs.
Home Affairs Minister Brendan O'Connor said the scanners would also help innocent travellers.
"The option of an internal body scan will more quickly exonerate the innocent and ensure a minimum of delay for legitimate travellers," Mr O'Connor said.
Read more: http://www.news.com.au/travel/news/no-place-left-to-hide-drugs-with-x-ray-technology/story-e6frfq80-1226011075259#ixzz1Ev3DkuyV
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