Bid to smuggle 10kg gold worth Dh1.3m foiled

ras al khaimah — The customs department in Ras Al Khaimah has foiled a bid to smuggle 10kg of gold through the Ras Al Dara crossing border point, 40km to the north of the emirate.

Dr Mohammed Al Mihrizi, director-general of the department, said the Asian smuggler tried to smuggle in the gold that is worth Dh1.3 million.

“The suspect, identified as S.A., was referred to the department concerned for legal action,” he said. “The vigilant customs inspectors noticed the worried body language of the smuggler and subjected him to a manual search.”

A machine scan of his bag revealed some hidden items. “The hidden gold, which was wrapped in plastic bags covered with yellow adhesive tape, was extracted from secret compartments in the suspect’s baggage.”

A customs clearance is must for large amounts of gold meant for business. “Otherwise, it shall be considered a smuggling case and

RAK Customs

The vigilant customs inspectors noticed the worried body language of the smuggler and subjected him to a manual search.”

Dr Mohammed Al Mihrizi,

a 10 per cent fine shall be deducted from the total amount of the gold smuggled in or out,” a customs official said.

Dr Mihrizi said that the Ras Al Dara crossing point is one of the busiest in the emirate. Therefore, more attention is given to it, as many smuggling attempts have been recorded here. ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com