Punta Cana International Airport in the Dominican Republic has introduced artificial intelligence technology designed to detect drugs and undeclared currency in passenger baggage at security checkpoints.

The airport and SeeTrue announced the deployment on August 18, describing it as the first use of SeeTrue’s AI-driven algorithms with Leidos’ ClearScan CT baggage scanning technology at an international airport for the enhanced detection of drugs and undeclared currency.

The system uses AI to analyse CT images of passenger baggage in real time, helping security personnel identify suspected contraband as bags pass through checkpoints.

The technology forms part of a wider checkpoint security upgrade at Punta Cana Airport, which was recently deployed with Leidos. The project also received support from PBS Dominican Republic, Leidos’ local partner.

With Punta Cana serving millions of international passengers each year, airport officials say the technology is intended to strengthen security while allowing passengers to move through checkpoints more efficiently.

The AI platform provides automated analysis of baggage scans, allowing screening officers to identify potentially concealed drugs and undeclared cash without slowing down normal checkpoint operations.

Alberto Smith, Director of Operations Landside & Cargo at Punta Cana Airport, said the partnership with SeeTrue and Leidos strengthens the airport’s ability to detect illegal contraband.

“We are now equipped to detect and seize illegal contraband in a way that was simply not available at airport checkpoints before,” Smith said.

SeeTrue Co-Founder and CEO Assaf Frenkel said the deployment demonstrates how AI and CT scanning technology can be combined to improve airport security.

“Contraband drugs and undeclared currency move through airports every day,” Frenkel said, adding that the Punta Cana deployment represents a milestone for the airport and the wider security screening industry.

Punta Cana Airport was recently recognised as the Best Airport in Central America and the Caribbean at the 2026 World Airport Awards.

The airport said the latest investment forms part of its continued efforts to strengthen security and operational efficiency as international passenger volumes increase.