Luggage from international flights in Brazil will now be photographed as part of enhanced security measures to prevent luggage swaps by criminals at airports.
According to the Minister of Ports and Airports, Márcio França, the government’s plan includes “the installation of cameras at airports to capture images of passengers’ luggage before boarding. Passengers will receive a message on WhatsApp containing a photograph of their suitcase,” the Minister added in an interview with EBC.
In addition to luggage photography, other measures in the plan involve the installation of X-ray machines and body scanners, cameras in the check-in area, the use of liquid and explosive detectors, as well as restrictions on the use of mobile phones by airport staff in certain areas. Minister França emphasized that “organized crime often blackmails individuals working in internal airport areas,” making the restriction on mobile phone access crucial.
The initial implementation of these measures will take place in Guarulhos (SP), Brazil’s largest airport, with a planned investment of R$ 40 million. Subsequently, the plan will be extended to other airports serving international flights before eventually being implemented nationwide, the minister added.
Source: Agência Brasil