Customs, security forces foil innovative cigarette smuggling attempt at Nuwaiseeb border crossing
Contraband found hidden in fuel tanks and vehicle seats; 12 arrested including three MOI officials
Joint efforts between the Criminal Security Sector and the General Administration of Customs led to the arrest of 12 people who have been charged with attempts to smuggle cigarettes through the Nuwaiseeb border crossing.
According to the General Administration of Customs, officers foiled two separate smuggling attempts involving 118 cartons of cigarettes hidden inside fuel tanks and back seats of the vehicles.
Those involved included three Ministry of Interior personnel (an officer and two policemen), a teacher, and two Saudi nationals.
Investigations revealed that a group of individuals had been preparing vehicles for smuggling operations. Four people — a Syrian and three Asians — were taken into custody from Fahaheel – caught red-handed attempting to modify vehicles inside a garage.
Two others, a Syrian and an Asian, were apprehended while driving a ‘mobile garage’ to prepare vehicles for smuggling, in collaboration with another Syrian who remains at large.
The authorities confirmed that all necessary customs and legal procedures have been completed and the vehicles and cigarettes have been seized. The suspects have been referred to the Nuwaiseeb Port Investigations Department for further legal action.
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