Video.. Criminal Security: Foiled Smuggling of 53,314 Cartons of Cigarettes via Salma Border Crossing

The Ministry of Interior announced that the General Administration of Customs, in cooperation with the Criminal Security Sector, represented by the General Administration of Criminal Investigations – Land Border Investigation Department, foiled an attempt to smuggle approximately 53,314 cartons of cigarettes through the Salwa border crossing. The contraband was concealed inside cardboard boxes and declared in the customs manifest as aluminum plates.

The Ministry clarified in a press statement that, following investigation and inquiry, it was found that a customs manifest different from the actual cargo had been used. The Syrian national truck driver was apprehended, along with a Yemeni national employed by a customs clearance office, due to his involvement in preparing the false manifest.

The statement added that, upon questioning, the truck driver revealed the location where the seized goods were loaded, which was within one of the agricultural holdings in the Abdali area. A security force, in coordination with the Public Authority for Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources, subsequently located three warehouses containing large quantities of unlicensed commercial goods.

It further noted that an Indian national worker was also apprehended and admitted to participating in the loading of tobacco products under the instructions of a Kuwaiti national, who had already left the country on the day the goods were loaded. A security hold has been placed on the Kuwaiti national.

The statement revealed that investigative efforts, inquiries, and coordination with relevant authorities are ongoing to verify the source of the tobacco products and to take the necessary legal and administrative actions against those involved in the incident and the agricultural holding.

The Ministry of Interior reaffirmed its continued efforts to combat smuggling operations and confront anyone attempting to violate laws and regulations, taking legal action against offenders to enhance the country’s security and safety.