Customs foils smuggling attempt of goods worth Dhs25m via Fujairah Port

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, represented by the General Administration of Customs, in coordination with the Department of Customs in Fujairah, has foiled the smuggling of banned dairy products in the country worth Dhs25,239,000 (Dhs25 million) via Fujairah Port.

They also arrested persons from Arab and Asian nationalities who attempted to bribe a customs officer, by offering him Dhs280,000.

The seizure of the smuggled products was conducted in collaboration with partners from relevant authorities after a report was received of 14 suspicious containers in Fujairah Port.

Due to the joint coordination with the Ministry of Interior and local authorities in Fujairah, the target containers were detected using advanced inspection devices, supported by the expertise and professionalism of Customs inspection personnel.

Ahmed Abdullah Bin Lahej Al Falasi, Acting Director-General of Customs at the Authority, said that protecting the community and strengthening its security is one of the authority's strategic objectives, under the framework of adopting inspection systems and managing the risks related to Customs department activities, to help facilitate trade.

Rashid Hammad Al Hafeeti, Director-General of Fujairah Customs, said the operation was conducted after information was exchanged between the authority and relevant parties. The smuggled products were seized in coordination with the Fujairah Police and the Fujairah Port Authority under judicial seizure procedures until the completion of legal and customs procedures.