Abu Dhabi Customs foils attempt to smuggle more than SR13m through Al Ghuwaifat border

An official source at the Abu Dhabi General Administration of Customs stated that during the inspection routine of one of the vehicles coming into the UAE from Al Ghuwaifat border port in the Western Region, a huge amount of money was seized where the exact amount was not disclosed according to cash disclosure law in the UAE.

The smuggling attempt was led by a 39-year-old male of African origin in addition to another person of the same nationality. The smuggled money, which amounted to more than SR13m, was hidden in the back door cavities and rear seats of the car. After the inspection, a record was issued on the incident to take legal actions by the concerned authorities.

Commenting on this achievement, HE Hamad Mohamed Al Hurr Al Suwaidi - Chairman of the Department of Finance (DoF) - Abu Dhabi, praised the high level of efficiency and security of Abu Dhabi Customs' officers and inspectors in controlling smuggling operations.

Saeed Ahmed Al Muhairi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Customs, stated that the main objective behind applying the disclosure of cash law is to strengthen statistical database in the UAE along with encouraging and supporting the economy by providing an appropriate environment to attract foreign investments.

It should be noted that the Central Bank decided to raise the minimum rate pertaining to the disclosure systems of monetary amounts and instruments-- i.e. travelers checks and bonds that can be converted into cash, for arriving and departing travelers from and to the UAE to Dhs100,000or an equivalent amount in other currencies. This decision is being applied since September of 2011.