US Ambassador in Nicosia John Koenig presented Cyprus` Customs Department with technical equipment, worth 28,886 dollars, which will improve the capability of the Customs Department to detect illegal shipments.

The equipment, which was granted through the US Export Control and Border Security Programme, was handed to Director of the Customs Department Constantinos Nicolaides during a ceremony on Wednesday at the Head Offices of the Department in Nicosia.

Nicolaides said the equipment would greatly help the Department in carrying out its duties more efficiently, especially concerning the control of drugs and other sensitive materials, thus contributing to the global effort to combat the illegal trafficking of such materials.

He referred to the excellent cooperation between his Department and the US Embassy in Nicosia, and assured that Cyprus was dedicated to implementing legislation concerning control of the trafficking of sensitive materials.

Nicolaides added that, given Cyprus` geographical position and its proximity to the Middle East, it can play a significant role in controlling shipments destined for those countries.