Nuwaiseeb customs foil cigarette smuggling bid

Customs inspectors at the Nuwaiseeb border crossing have thwarted two separate attempts to smuggle a large quantity of cigarettes out of the country during vehicle exit procedures.

According to the Customs Administration, the cases were uncovered after inspectors grew suspicious based on careful field observations, prompting them to conduct thorough inspections of the vehicles.

The searches led to the discovery of cigarettes professionally concealed inside the tires of both vehicles, in a deliberate effort to evade customs controls, reports Al-Rai daily.

Officials said a total of approximately 1,400 cartons of cigarettes were seized, with the contraband distributed between the two vehicles.

Customs authorities confirmed that all necessary legal measures have been taken in both cases. Two separate seizure reports were filed, and the incidents have been referred to the competent authorities for further action in line with applicable laws and regulations.