Abu Dhabi, February 27: Abu Dhabi Department of Finance – General Directorate of Customs released its seizures and confiscations report for 2009 today. The Emirate’s customs have recorded 9220 violation of drugs, weapons, lasers, dairy, tobacco and materials used in witchcraft among others.
Saeed Ahmed Abdullah Al Muhairi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Customs said: “Under the wise guidance of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Finance (DoF), Abu Dhabi Customs has adopted advanced security systems at strategic checkpoint and entry posts. We have installed the Z (X – Ray) Control System in addition to implementing Rapiscan Security Systems at Abu Dhabi Airport. We have also held a series of training workshops for our employees reflecting the department’s belief in their vital role to protect the citizens and borders of our homeland.”
“Abu Dhabi International Airport witnessed the largest number of seizures last year including a case of 24.13 kg of heroin hidden in cans and plastic bags in the upper and lower sides of travel bags,” he added.
146 drugs seizures were recorded during 2009 across the Emirate’s Customs centers and the total amount of drugs confiscated were 33,614.086 grams. In addition 22,615 illegal drug pills were also confiscated. Most of the drugs were seized at Abu Dhabi Airport which accounted for 74% of the total seizures at all Abu Dhabi Customs centers combined.
The Customs centers made 39 seizures of pan tobacco weighing a total of 51,612 tons. 24 seizures of weapons were made in 2009 ranging between bullets, fire / air guns and related equipments. Bullets numbering 68,563, were the largest seizure in this category.
—Agencies