Moldovan head of state calls for strengthening border security system, scanning of all postal parcels

President Maia Sandu has called for strengthening the border security system and introducing mandatory scanning of all postal parcels entering Moldova. The statements today were made, after a meeting of the National Security Council (CNS), during which the risks triggered by cross-border crime were analyzed.

The head of state drew attention to the fact that the responsible institutions, including the Border Police and the Customs Service, were facing a lack of resources and limited capacities, which requires urgent investments.

“For us to cope with these challenges, it is necessary to strengthen our security system. At present, resources are insufficient, including at the Border Police and the Customs Service. Significant investments are needed in the modernization of these institutions, in modern equipment, as well as in the development of human resources,” Maia Sandu said.

An important emphasis was placed on the control of postal flows, considered a major vulnerability in combating drug trafficking.

“We must ensure the scanning of all postal parcels, regardless of the operator, and improve traceability systems,” the president underlined.

At the same time, Maia Sandu highlighted the need for more effective risk analyses that would allow the authorities to allocate resources where the dangers are greatest.

The decisions adopted within the National Security Council provide for the establishment of a permanent mechanism for inter-institutional coordination, as well as the identification of additional financial resources, including through international cooperation.

The president specified that the meeting was a planned one and did not show an exceptional situation, but she stressed that the risks were real and increasing.

“The problems are serious and require continuous and coordinated actions,” Maia Sandu concluded.

She said that the authorities would monitor the implementation of the measures and would come back with concrete solutions to strengthen security and prevent illicit trafficking.