In video: Smuggling of 53,314 cartons of cigarettes thwarted, hidden as 'aluminum trays'
&cropxunits=450&cropyunits=254&w=770)
Interior thwarts smuggling of cigarettes hidden as trays
Translated by Qiyas from الأنباء — Original source
The Ministry of Interior announced that the General Customs Administration, in cooperation with the Criminal Security sector—represented by the General Directorate of Criminal Investigations’ Border Crossings Investigation Department—thwarted an attempt to smuggle approximately 53,314 cartons of cigarettes through the Salwa border crossing. The cigarettes were concealed inside cardboard boxes and declared in the customs manifest as aluminum plates.
In a press statement, the Ministry explained that investigations revealed the use of a customs declaration that did not match the actual cargo. The Syrian national truck driver was apprehended, along with a Yemeni national employed by a customs clearance agency, due to his involvement in preparing the false declaration.
The statement added that, upon questioning, the truck driver disclosed the location where the seized goods were loaded: an agricultural holding in the Abdali area. A security force, in coordination with the Public Authority for Agricultural Affairs and Fisheries, conducted a search and discovered three warehouses containing large quantities of unlicensed commercial goods.
Furthermore, an Indian national worker was apprehended and admitted to participating in the loading of tobacco products under the instructions of a Kuwaiti citizen, who had already left the country on the day the goods were loaded. A security hold has been placed on the Kuwaiti citizen.
The statement revealed that investigative and coordination efforts with relevant authorities are ongoing to verify the source of the tobacco products and to take the necessary legal and administrative measures against all parties involved, including the owners of the agricultural holding.
The Ministry of Interior reaffirmed its continued efforts to combat smuggling operations and to confront anyone attempting to violate laws and regulations, taking legal action against offenders to enhance the country’s security and safety.
