Bid to smuggle 4,391 prohibited items foiled

Abu Dhabi / WAM

Inspectors at the General Administration of Customs, Abu Dhabi, issued 4,271 customs reports during the first quarter of 2015. Customs inspectors successfully foiled 4,391 attempts to smuggle illegal substances into the UAE through various customs ports in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The substances seized included drugs, prescription drugs, tobacco and other contraband.
Mezyad Customs Centre recorded the largest number of seizures involving 1,008 illegal substances, followed by Al Ain Central Post Customs Centre with 771 instances, Khatam Al Shakla Customs Centre with 707 and Abu Dhabi Central Post Customs Centre with 665.
Mohammed Khadem Al Hameli, Acting Director-General of the General Administration of Customs, Abu Dhabi, commenting on the achievements and the strong dedication of customs’ officers, said, “The General Administration of Customs, Abu Dhabi continues its efforts to develop the performance of customs’ work and enhance its mechanisms, due to its main role in supporting economic development in Abu Dhabi. This is achieved by facilitating foreign trade across different customs ports and collecting customs revenue. The administration continuously works on enhancing cooperation and joint work with all relevant government entities, as well as local, regional and international customs authorities, in Abu Dhabi particularly and UAE in general, to improve customs work.”
Al Hameli added, “As part of its strategic vision, which aims to contribute in enhancing the local community’s safety and developing the national economy, the General Administration of Customs – Abu Dhabi continues to develop inspection procedures and adopt the best electronic and smart services in the field of customs. The administration adopts the latest technology, electronic and smart services, as well as offering the necessary training programmes to enhance inspectors’ skills in protecting and serving the country.”