Sana'a: The Sana'a Customs Authority has achieved a significant transformation in its efforts to tackle customs smuggling crimes during the period of 2023-2024.
According to Yemen News Agency, the Authority has intensified its efforts to bring smugglers to justice, not only by filing criminal and civil lawsuits but also by initiating and following up on criminal cases across various smuggling activities, in line with its legal and religious obligations as the nation's frontline defense against smuggling.
Engineer Adel Margham, head of the Customs Authority, highlighted that a total of 238 cases related to smuggling crimes were brought before public prosecutions during this period. These cases encompass 123 pesticide smuggling incidents, 92 pharmaceutical smuggling cases, eight incidents involving foreign agricultural products, four cases of petroleum derivatives smuggling, five cigarette smuggling incidents, and six cases of counterfeiting.
A report from the General Department of Legal Affairs at the Customs Authority reveals that smugglers employ diverse methods to hide goods, such as medicines, pesticides, and foreign agricultural products. Techniques include concealing items within vehicles, using secret compartments within vehicle structures like spare tires, doors, seats, and even near engines or fuel tanks.
The report also outlines the Customs Authority's strategic efforts and technological advancements in detecting smuggled goods. The Sa'dah Customs and Control Office led in thwarting smuggling attempts, with 55 criminal cases, followed by the Al-Rahida Customs Center with 48 cases. Other offices such as Afar, Al-Hazm, and Dhamar also reported significant numbers of thwarted smuggling attempts.
Engineer Margham emphasized the Authority's critical role in preventing the smuggling of harmful items and protecting public safety. He commended the dedication of customs employees, who act as the nation's first line of defense against smuggling, for their vigilance and dedication to community safety.
He reiterated the Customs Authority's unwavering commitment to its duties, promising to continue preventing all forms of customs smuggling despite any challenges, in order to safeguard national interests and citizen welfare.