Business | Economy
FCA seeks more strict customs procedures
The Federal Customs Authority (FCA) on Friday called for more vigilance and strict application of customs procedures through the use of modern technologies in order to check any narcotic shipments.
- By Ahmed A. Elewa, Staff Reporter
- Published: 00:19 January 26, 2008
Abu Dhabi: The Federal Customs Authority (FCA) on Friday called for more vigilance and strict application of customs procedures through the use of modern technologies in order to check any narcotic shipments.
The call coincides with the International Customs Day, announced by the World Customs Organisation (WCO) and celebrated on January 26.
"Trading in narcotics is an organised international crime with repercussions extending beyond the borders of a single country, inflicting severe damages on the global economy and community," said Mohammad Khalifa Al Muhairi, FCA's director-general.
"Regional and international cooperation is necessary to address this phenomenon and limit its negative impact on the individual and the economy," he said.
Narcotics trade accounts for eight per cent of the total value of international trade, or 10 times the official development assistance worldwide, according to the United Nations which estimates that the illicit trade costs the global economy more than $120 billion of annual losses in the form of expenditures on law enforcement, legal costs, prisons, and healthcare and preventive programmes, in addition to the losses related to subsequent criminal activities.
"Only 10 per cent of the trafficked heroin and 30 per cent of cocaine are confiscated each year around the world, hence the enhancement of regional and international cooperation is necessary," Al Muhairi said.
"The UAE is adopting a comprehensive strategy in combating narcotics, where FCA plays a crucial role at the local, regional, and international levels," he said.
The FCA is closely coordinating with the Ministry of Interior, local authorities and other entities within the framework of joint committees.
"A new form of cooperation with the Ministry of Interior will be announced soon in the field of training and customs inspection to enable the authority and the local customs departments to perform the task," Al Muhairi said.
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