The Customs Administration received Tuesday a grant of $30,000 in equipment through the United States Export Control and Related Border Security (EXBS) Program.

The grant includes instruments for detection and measuring radiation, control of vehicle hollows, night vision thermal binoculars and thermal camera for special operations in the dark, battery lamps, multifunctional tool kits and battery chargers.

"The equipment will improve the capacities for detection of radiation and detailed inspection, as well as strengthen Macedonia's capabilities in maintaining the security of its borders", said U.S. Ambassador Paul Wohlers at the grant handover ceremony.

According to him, the EXBS Program has provided support through training and grants over the past eight years towards enhancing the country's capacities in the fight against weapons of mass destruction and all types of illicit trade.

Customs Administration director Vanco Kargov stressed the customs services are faced with new challenges besides their daily operations of collecting budget revenues and trade facilitation.

"These include protection of people's life and health from falsified commodities, trafficking in firearms, weapons of mass destruction, chemicals and other means. The Customs Administration is continually upgrading its systems and international support is welcome in this regard", added Kargov.