The Abu Dhabi General Directorate of Customs has recorded 9,220 violation of drugs, weapons, lasers, dairy, tobacco and materials used in witchcraft among others in 2009, a report said.

The Directorate of Customs released its seizures and confiscations report for 2009 recently.

“Abu Dhabi Customs has adopted advanced security systems at strategic checkpoint and entry posts,” said Saeed Ahmed Abdullah Al Muhairi, director general of Abu Dhabi Customs.

“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.

A total of 146 drugs seizures were recorded during 2009 across the Emirate’s Customs centres 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 per cent of the total seizures at all Abu Dhabi Customs centres combined.

The customs centers made 39 seizures of pan tobacco weighing a total of 51,612 tons. Twenty-four 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, the report said. – TradeArabia News Service