Abu Dhabi: Inspectors at the General Administration of Customs – Abu Dhabi have successfully foiled attempts to smuggle 4,044 illegal substances into the UAE during the first half of 2017, officials said on Tuesday.
The seized items include drugs, prescription drugs, tobacco and other contrabands resulting in 3,852 incidence reports.
The Abu Dhabi Airport Customs Centre recorded the largest number of seizures amounting to 1,740 illegal substances followed by Mezyad Customs Centre with 776 substances, Abu Dhabi Central Post Customs Centre with a total of 570 substances and Al Ain Central Post Customs Centre with 335 substances.
Mohammad Khadem Al Hameli, acting director-general of the General Administration of Customs – Abu Dhabi, attributed the success to the “efforts to develop the foundations of the customs’ work and inspection procedures, through adopting the best technologies and smart services. The administration also strives to improve the capabilities of its inspectors, providing them with the necessary theoretical and practical training to enhance their skills and supporting them in their mandate in protecting the security and safety of the country and its citizens.”
Illegal drugs
The customs centres in Abu Dhabi recorded 333 smuggling attempts of illegal drugs, including large quantities of cocaine, opium, marijuana, weed, poppy seeds, tramadol, captagon and others.
Illegal immigrants
Customs officials foiled 26 illegal immigration attempts across different Abu Dhabi customs centres, stopping 35 people from entering the country illegally.
Commercial fraud
Customs uncovered 80 attempts of commercial fraud including non-disclosure of goods, as well as manipulating product weights, country of origin, forgery of invoices or container numbers.
Money smuggling
Customs intercepted 20 cash smuggling attempts, with eight attempts at Abu Dhabi International Airport Customs Centre, six at Khatam Al Shakla Customs Centre, three attempts through Ghuwaifat Customs Centre and three at Madheef Customs Centre.
Alcohol and tobacco
Customs also stopped 42 alcohol and 40 tobacco smuggling attempts.
Prescription drugs
Customs seized 427 types of drugs that can only be prescribed by a medical practitioner, expired drugs and drugs greater than the quantity authorised.
