ABU DHABI 27 May 2017: The General Administration of Customs – Abu Dhabi has announced that inspectors from Al Ghuwaifat border foiled an attempt to smuggle 7,440 bottles of alcohol out of the UAE.
A truck carrying metal tubing had arrived at the border on the way to a neighbouring country. One of the inspectors was suspicious about the cargo it was carrying and questioned the driver about its contents. The truck was inspected with x-ray machines, which revealed professionally designed hidden compartments within the vehicle, which contained a number of hidden boxes. Once the truck was transferred to the inspection area, it was discovered that the boxes contained 7,440 bottles of alcohol.
Inspectors seized the alcohol and transferred the truck driver to the concerned authorities to take the necessary legal action.
Commenting on the incident, Mohamed Khadem Al Hameli, Acting Director-General of the General Administration of Customs – Abu Dhabi, highlighted the importance of cooperation and teamwork of the security authorities in UAE to support customs inspectors and protect national security and the safety of residents against criminal activities. Al Hameli said, “The administration commits to adopting the latest systems and procedures for inspections which support custom centres and their key role in overcoming smuggling attempts through its land, sea and air ports.”
Al Hameli added, “The General Administration of Customs – Abu Dhabi has provided different types of training and developed skills in customs inspectors in line with international standards. This aims to strengthen inspectors’ security preparation due to the importance of their role in protecting the local community and national economy from the risks of illegal smuggling and trade across countries.”
The General Administration of Customs commits to facilitating the movement of travellers and goods by adopting the latest custom inspection systems, thus enhancing the efficiency of the inspection process at Al Ghuwaifat Border, one the largest customs centres in the UAE.
By Rajive Singh