A new X-ray machine designed to enhance biosecurity screening is set to arrive in Samoa within the next two weeks. It is a long-anticipated move aimed at strengthening border security and preventing invasive threats from entering the country.

The advanced dual-view unit will be installed at Faleolo International Airport. The X-ray system is dedicated specifically to biosecurity. It is funded under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment’s (MNRE) invasive species management project and costs more than SAT $100,000, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) Chief Executive Officer, Dr Seuseu Tauati.

According to Seumaloisalafai Afele Faiilagi, Assistant CEO for Biosecurity at MAF, the machine can detect narcotics and biological threats such as plant materials that may carry pests or diseases harmful to Samoa’s environment and agriculture.

Due to ongoing shortages of X-ray equipment for biosecurity purposes, the Ministry has been actively seeking a dedicated system.

“For us to do our job at the airport, we need the latest technology that serves our purpose,” said Seumaloisalafai.

“If we don’t have a machine with that capability, then manning the service at the airport is nothing, because we depend on the machine, on the monitor, to view what’s in the luggage.”

Currently, X-ray screening at Faleolo is operated by Customs and the Samoa Airport Authority. Biosecurity teams work alongside them but do not have direct control over the screening process. The new machine will change that.

“At the moment, we cannot control [the screening] because it’s administered by another authority,” said Seumaloisalafai. “Having our own would give us control over what we’re doing.”

He emphasised that the new unit would deliver sharper technical capacity for screening. “It’s a dual-view unit. One side is powerful for viewing plant-based products, and the other is for detecting narcotics,” he explained, noting that the current machines are operational but make it challenging to assess luggage contents.

The machine’s supplier will also oversee its full setup, including delivery, installation, commissioning, and on-site staff training, all in a single rollout. “Installing it all at once, instead of doing it separately,” said Seumaloisalafai.

Installation will begin as soon as the equipment arrives however, Dr Seuseu Tauati said the Ministry has not finalised the exact location for the machine at the airport.