The GRTU said today it has asked the Ministry for Finance to take strong action in agreement with the Police, the Ministry responsible for transport and Transport Malta to stop the abuse by operators who, it said, skilfully avoid the scanning equipment at the Hal Far Groupage Complex to distribute suspect imports.
"These are operators who, in spite of their obligation at law, never ever turn up at the Hal Far Complex.
"Why have an expensive scanning equipment that safeguards us all from contraband when it is the choice of the importer whether to go through the scan or not?," it asked.
"The honest trader has no problem to go through but the others simply choose not to turn up".
It did not require an Einstein to know why, it added.
"Contraband is here and visible. The gate is open," it said.