House to probe port inspection system

According to available data from 2019, more than 340,000 containers of cargo enter Puerto Rico’s docks each year, particularly those located in and near San Juan.

By The Star Staff

The Government Committee in the island House of Representatives will conduct a comprehensive investigation into the procedures and technology employed by the government to inspect shipping containers and vans at Puerto Rico’s cargo docks.

On June 27, the House unanimously approved Resolution 242, authored by former House Speaker José Aponte Hernández. This resolution also assesses a range of administrative and legislative measures aimed at optimizing the inspection process, which is recognized as being critical for the security and economy of Puerto Rico.

“Security at our ports, including loading docks, is vital for Puerto Rico,” Aponte, who chairs the Federal and Veterans Affairs Committee, said in a press release. “Container matching is also crucial for the island’s economy and, above all, for our security. It is an essential tool for achieving greater oversight of compliance with applicable tax regulations and for detecting and preventing the illegal movement of goods such as drugs, weapons, and exotic species. Therefore, it is essential that we have an effective and integrated system that allows the government to maintain control while providing an agile process that meets the needs of the private sector.”

“The reality is that the existing systems do not cover all port areas, and there are questions about their functionality in the areas where they are currently deployed,” the veteran lawmaker added. “That’s why we need to investigate the entire process, from start to finish, to determine not only its efficiency but also potential measures to improve it, making the process more agile, transparent, and fair.”

According to available data from 2019, more than 340,000 containers of cargo enter Puerto Rico’s docks each year, particularly those located in and near San Juan.