LIMA, Peru – Peru has installed two high-energy cargo scanners donated by the United States at the Port of Chancay, a major Pacific trade gateway operated by a Chinese state-owned company, in a move aimed at strengthening customs oversight and combating illicit trafficking.
The scanners were inaugurated Monday at the port north of Lima, with Peruvian customs officials saying the equipment will allow authorities to inspect shipping containers in real time without opening them, improving cargo security while reducing delays in international trade.
The deployment comes as Chancay continues to expand its role as a key logistics center linking South America and Asia, underscoring the strategic importance of the facility amid growing international commercial and security interests in the region.
Customs Authorities Emphasize Security and Efficiency
Peru’s customs agency said the newly installed technology will improve the detection of illicit goods while streamlining inspection procedures.
According to the agency, the scanners are expected to reduce customs processing times, lower logistics costs, and strengthen security throughout the international supply chain.
U.S. Ambassador Bernie Navarro attended the inauguration ceremony. The U.S. Embassy later stated that the equipment was provided through the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs of the State Department.
The embassy said the scanners would help identify illicit cargo, facilitate trade flows, and support transparency in port operations. U.S. officials will also provide training to ensure Peruvian personnel can independently operate the systems.
Drug Trafficking Remains a Major Concern
The installation reflects ongoing efforts by Peru and international partners to address drug trafficking challenges that continue to affect the country.
According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Peru remains one of the world’s leading cocaine-producing nations. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has identified Peru as the world’s second-largest cultivator of coca leaf, the primary raw material used in cocaine production, after Colombia.
Peruvian government officials previously warned lawmakers about what they described as an “exponential” increase in drug trafficking activity.
Official figures show that coca cultivation areas expanded significantly over the past decade, reaching 89,755 hectares in 2024 compared with 42,900 hectares in 2014.
Authorities view enhanced cargo screening as an important tool in preventing illegal narcotics and other prohibited goods from moving through international trade routes.
Chancay Port Expands Strategic Importance
The Port of Chancay has emerged as one of the most significant infrastructure projects in Latin America.
The facility was inaugurated in November 2024 during a visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping and is majority-owned by COSCO Shipping, a Chinese state-owned enterprise that operates ports, shipping fleets, and logistics networks worldwide.
With investment exceeding $1.3 billion, Chancay is considered the deepest port in Latin America, featuring a depth of 17.8 meters that enables some of the world’s largest cargo vessels to dock.
The day after the port’s inauguration, the United States announced plans to provide the scanning equipment, valued at more than $8.5 million. At the time, U.S. officials said the technology would help ensure cargo moving through the facility does not pose security risks.
Trade Links Continue to Grow
Chinese officials say Chancay has rapidly expanded its commercial reach since beginning operations.
Speaking at a recent ceremony at the port, Chinese Ambassador Song Yang said the facility now supports three major maritime routes and four feeder routes connecting Peru with key ports in China as well as destinations in Colombia, Ecuador, Chile, and Panama.
China has been Peru’s largest trading partner for more than a decade and maintains substantial investments across sectors including mining, energy, infrastructure, and transportation.
The addition of U.S.-funded security technology at a Chinese-operated port highlights Peru’s efforts to balance international trade growth with enhanced customs enforcement as Chancay develops into one of the region’s most important logistics hubs.
Tags: Peru, Chancay Port, United States, China, Drug Trafficking, Trade Security, Infrastructure, High Energy X-Ray, Port Scanners, Logistics
