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The Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, said that the Border Management Authority would deploy new drone technology and bodycams to beef up border security over the Easter weekend.
Minister Scheriber announced on Thursday that this technology marks the single biggest step forward in enhancing border security and management.
"Data shows that when we first trialled the use of drones over the Festive Season, the number of attempted illegal crossings that were successfully prevented increased by 215%. The BMA will now permanently deploy this cutting-edge technology full-time," he said.
Schreiber said the drones are equipped with some of the world's most advanced night vision cameras, including thermal detection technology.
"They are powered by Artificial Intelligence, enabling the devices to recognise and lock onto heat sources, moving people, or vehicles,” he said.
The drones can travel at speeds up to 43 kilometres per hour and operate in remote rural areas without access to GPS and even underground.
“The drones launch within 15 seconds, are durable and waterproof, and are capable of operating under all weather conditions.”
The BMA is undertaking world-class training to equip eight officers to become expert drone pilots. The officers will operate the devices on a shift basis and move to different ports of entry around the country.
Meanwhile, Schreiber said the body-worn cameras would be fitted to officials working in the port environment to "detect and punish acts of corruption while also monitoring their efficiency."
The cameras are linked to a dedicated digital evidence management system that ensures all footage is admissible in court, ensuring successful convictions.
“Our message to would-be illegal immigrants and smugglers is clear: for the first time, we are now watching the border during the day, we are watching at night, we can see your body heat wherever you try to hide, and we will catch you. As we roll out more and more cutting-edge technology, there are fewer and fewer places to hide for criminals who undermine our national security.”
