Two major seaports in the Republic of Panama are now operating radiation scanners in order to help stop the illegal transfer of radiological or nuclear weapon related materials through Panama waters,  the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration said Friday.

The Manzanillo International Terminal located in the Colon province was able to help fund the planning and installation of the scanning equipment it received. The Port of Balboa, located in Panama province at the Canal's southern tip is helping to scan cargo that is railbound for other ports.

“We are working closely with the Panamanian National Customs Authority and with the private terminal operators in Panama to prevent nuclear terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction,” said NNSA Deputy Administrator William Tobey in a statement. “The success of this project reflects a strong commitment and desire on behalf of the government of Panama to secure its ports from illicit trafficking in nuclear and other radioactive materials." Source: Global Security Newswire

The radiation detectors that were installed are part of a bigger project known as the "Container Security Initiative" which has the goal of increasing scrutiny of all US bound cargo traffic.