Following several targeted postal attacks at embassies across Europe, the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) has renewed its long-term contract with Todd Research for its TR15 cabinet x-ray scanners.
Over 200 of the manufacturer’s TR15 scanners are currently in use across British embassies, designed to detect threats such as dangerous powders, sharp objects and explosives in letters or parcels.
The TR15 units are said to be able to detect as little as three grams of powder using enhanced powder detection software, mitigating the risk of dangerous substances such as Anthrax or Ricin getting into the building. Throughout 2022 and continuing into 2023, there continues to be a high number of targeted postal attacks across embassies, explains Todd Research. This includes a spate of letter bombs to the US Embassy in Madrid in December, and parcels containing animal eyes sent to eight Ukrainian embassies across Europe.
Founded in 1950, Todd Research’s experience goes right back to the height of the IRA activity and the need for the Government to deploy equipment to combat the postal threats. In January of 1981, a letter bomb sent to Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was intercepted by a London postal worker. In 1983, there were 27 attacks, including letter bombs to Margaret Thatcher and Diana, Princess of Wales.
Todd Research said it was extremely pleased to be awarded the renewal of this long-term contract. The ongoing supply, support and maintenance of this equipment is essential in the multi-layered approach that the company provides within Government sites, it added
