Dubai Customs has foiled the export of nine shipments containing more than 70 million illegal cigarettes, weighing about seven tons of tobacco, that were destined for a European country through three air cargo ports in Dubai.
The Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported that the seizures followed the detection of suspicious indicators and analysis of shipment data by targeting teams at the Air Cargo Centers Department.
Shipments Declared as Clothing
Customs audits and inspections found that the actual contents of the shipments did not match the information stated in their documents. The shipments had been declared as “clothing”, but inspections revealed that they contained 360,500 packs of cigarettes, totaling more than 70 million illegal cigarettes.
The customs teams made the seizures in three operations. Further analysis and cross-checking of information showed that all nine shipments were linked to one importer, despite being transported through three different air cargo ports. This helped customs officials identify a common pattern and handle the shipments as interconnected seizure operations.
Customs Teams Complete 182 Seizures
Abdullah Ahmed Al Balushi, Director of Air Cargo Centers at Dubai Customs, said the seizures demonstrate the efficiency and preparedness of targeting and inspection teams in responding to changing methods of illicit trade.
He said the detection of nine shipments prepared for export through three air freight ports and their connection to a single importer showed that modern customs operations rely not only on physical inspection, but also on information, accurate analysis of indicators, linking data and anticipating risks before shipments reach their destinations.
Al Balushi added that the department’s inspection teams completed 182 seizures during the first three months of this year, including 161 security seizures and 21 customs seizures.
He stressed the important role of Dubai Customs in tackling smuggling, illegal trade and fraudulent activities, while protecting international supply chains from being exploited for illicit purposes.
