Abu Dhabi: The General Administration of Customs in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday announced that inspectors from Al Ghuwaifat border foiled an attempt to smuggle 7440 bottles of alcohol outside the UAE.
A truck which was carrying metal tubes 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 truck’s drivers about its contents. The truck was inspected with x-ray machines, which revealed professionally designed hidden compartments within the vehicle, compartments which contained a number of hidden boxes. Later, once the truck was transferred to the inspection area, it was proven that those boxes contained 7440 bottles of alcohol.
Inspectors issued a seizure report, 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 the customs inspectors and to protect the national security and the safety of the residents against criminal activities. Al Hameli said: “The Administration commits to adopt the latest systems and procedures of customs inspections which would support custom centres and their key role to overcome smuggling attempts through its land, sea and air ports.”
Al Hameli added: “The General Administration of Customs – Abu Dhabi provided different types of training and developed skills to the customs inspectors in line with the adopted international standards. This aims to strengthen the inspector’s securtiy preparation due to the importance of their role to protect the local community and national economy from the risks of illegal smuggling and trades across countries.”
The General Administration of Customs committs to facilitating the movement of travellers and goods through adopting the latest custom inspection systems, equipments, and x-ray screening for vehicles; which will enhance the effeciency of the inspection process at Al Ghuwaifat Border, as it is one the largest and most important customs centre in UAE.
