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Stowaways can be 'sniffed out'
Page 10
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• Immigration authorities and a major rail-freight operator are investing in new gas detection devices which can "sniff out" people hiding in the back of HGVs or other vehicles.
Coventry-based Gas Data has come up with a pocket-sized gas detection monitor which detects gases such as CO2
in human exhalation. The company is putting the device straight into production after it was successfully tested at the Port of Calais recently, in conjunction with Sea France, P&O Stena, Eurotunnel and French immigration and port officials. Random tests on 56 trucks detected 24 people in four vehicles. The company says that all four trucks were of UK origin.
Gas Data's managing director Chris Dakin explains: "Finding traces of breath gases won't automatically indicate the presence of humans, because potatoes, for instance, will produce small amounts of similar gases, as will exhaust emissions and animals. But when significant levels are detected by the instrument, it's almost guaranteed that people will be found."
The monitors cast about £700 each, which the company considers a small price to pay for "peace of mind", particularly now the Government has pledged to fine operators and drivers £2,000 per immigrant found in their trucks from April next year (CM21-27 Oct).
Dakin adds: "We've already begun to receive enquiries from fleets and drivers who want to protect themselves from fines by carrying out checks on their own vehicles."
• Contact Gas Data on 01203 252288.