• Home

Fake dollars, euros seized at airport

Ali Al Mugahwi, Director of the Passengers Operations Department, told Khaleej Times on Tuesday that customs officers detected a gambling roulette in the 
suspect’s baggage during X-ray scan.

“Manually searching the passenger’s luggage, the officers found US dollars and euros that seem to be counterfeited. The fake currency included 129 notes of $100 ($12,900), and 99 notes of 100 euro (9,900 euro). The total amount confiscated is equal to Dh95,000,” he added.

The suspect was then subjected to customs scanning machines 
to make sure that he did not 
carry any drugs or other contraband. The accused was then referred to the Public Prosecution with charges of smuggling and possessing counterfeited currency.

“The Passengers Operations Department of the Dubai Customs thwarted three attempts to smuggling in counterfeited bank notes to the country in 2011 as compared to four bids in 2010,” Al Mugahwi said, adding that the seized fake money spanned UAE dirham, US dollar, euro and Indian rupee.

In June 2011, the Dubai Customs foiled a bid to smuggle in $65,500 (Dh206,000) counterfeited currency at the Dubai International Airport, Terminal-1, in an operation coded Carbon Dollar operation.

“The seized money was subtly concealed in several parts of 
the bags and clothes of a female African passenger,” Al Mugahwi said.

The Dubai Customs also busted 172 attempts of passengers from 22 nations to smuggle forged credit cards into Dubai in 2010. Of these, 50 were valued at over Dh1.5 million.

Al Mugahwi said the Dubai Customs, armed with highly qualified inspectors, sophisticated surveillance and scanning devices and advanced inspection methods curb down illegal practices.

“These include, in particular, all bids of smuggling fake currency, which disastrously affects the national economy and hamper activities of the registered companies across the country.”

ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE