UAE authorities have seized banned products – including the chewable drug paan – worth more than Dh25.2m ($6.9m) and arrested a group of men who attempted to smuggle the goods into the country.
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security was tipped off about 14 containers arriving to Fujairah port carrying the prohibited products.
Officers from Fujairah Customs Department, with help from other authorities, confiscated the containers and arrested the suspects, who are said to be Arab and Asian nationalities.
The suspects tried to bribe a customs employee into allowing the shipments into the country for Dh280,000.
They intended to store the products before selling them in local markets.
Paan leaf, which is banned in the Emirates, provides a mild stimulant effect when chewed. It is often spat on the ground afterwards.
No details were disclosed about the date of the smuggling attempt.
“Protecting the public and enhancing its security is one of the authority’s strategic goals,” said Ahmed Abdullah bin Lahej Al Falasi, acting director general of customs at the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security.
“This is also part of developing inspection systems and managing customs risks in a way that helps facilitate trade.”
Rashid Hammad Al Hefaiti, director general of Fujairah Customs, said the seizure was the result of an exchange of information between the authority and relevant departments.
“The prohibited materials were confiscated in co-ordination with Fujairah Police and the emirate’s port authority,” he said.
They will continue to conduct inspections on all shipments and containers.
“This is to monitor violations that pose threat to security and society in order to ensure consumer protection and support the process of economic development and building a competitive economy,” Mr Al Hefaiti said.
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THE BIO
Favourite book: ‘Purpose Driven Life’ by Rick Warren
Favourite travel destination: Switzerland
Hobbies: Travelling and following motivational speeches and speakers
Favourite place in UAE: Dubai Museum
BABYLON
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Where to donate in the UAE
The Emirates Charity Portal
You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments
The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.
Al Noor Special Needs Centre
You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.
Beit Al Khair Society
Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.
Dar Al Ber Society
Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.
Dubai Cares
Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.
Emirates Airline Foundation
Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.
Emirates Red Crescent
On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.
Gulf for Good
Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.
Noor Dubai Foundation
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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