Dubai customs seize opium bound for UK and Canada

DUBAI Customs managed to foil two separate shipments to smuggle three kilograms of opium from an Arab country on transit to Canada via the United Kingdom within two parcels of winter coats and children's clothes at the Dubai Cargo Village (DCV).

The two parcels of opium, weighting two kilogram and one kilogram were detected by X-ray and then manually by the DCV inspectors following confirmation of the sample from its technical support unit, said Dubai Customs senior manager of air cargo operations Omar Ahmad Al Muhairy.

The British Serious Anti-Crime Agency praised the customs team for its speed in notifying London and Ottawa of the seizure and promoting swift cooperation against smuggling.

Mr Muhairy said the customs latest coup follows the recent seizure of more than 53.5 kg of narcotics within the first seven months of 2010. There were 10 seizures that contained opium, heroin and poppies hidden in documents parcels, luggage, medical instruments, artistic paintings, spare parts, coats and children's clothing.
(Source:www.schednet.com)