Completion of Arrangements for the Customs Smuggling Workshop

The Ministry of Interior has completed all arrangements for the Customs Smuggling Workshop, announced during a press conference held in the presence of the Director General of Customs Forces and his assistants at the headquarters of the Red Sea State Police.

Lieutenant General Salah Ibrahim, Director General of Customs Forces, confirmed that customs recognizes the role of the media in awareness and monitoring, noting that the workshop will be held on October 29 and 30 under the slogan "Smuggling is Treason to the Nation and Destruction of the Economy," with the attendance of a member of the Sovereignty Council, Deputy Commander of the Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Shams al-Din Kabashi, and under the patronage of the Minister of Interior, Major General (Ret.) Khalil Pasha Sayirin. Salah emphasized that the workshop will assess current situations and involve brainstorming sessions to propose innovative solutions. He underscored the significant role the Customs Forces play in combating smuggling, as evidenced by their numerous seizures.

Completion of Arrangements for the Customs Smuggling Workshop

The workshop aims to establish a clear vision for combating customs crimes that undermine the economy and violate laws. He announced the adoption of comprehensive development plans to eliminate customs-related crimes, stating that the goals of the workshop include facilitating customs revenues, building capabilities, and ensuring oversight according to customs law. He revealed that they maintain a vast database on smuggling activities. Topics for discussion during the workshop will include all forms of smuggling—such as weapons, chemicals, medicines, and minerals—and methods to prevent these activities. Salah highlighted the attention given to customs smuggling issues and the commitment of state leadership, represented by the Sovereignty Council. He also announced the participation of various relevant entities, including the General Intelligence Service, represented by the Economic Security Department, and the Employers' Union.

He added that the outcomes of the workshop will produce deterrent recommendations for smugglers since current penalties are not effective. He noted that they had previously proposed a vision with strict penalties, but war hindered its implementation.

Salah revealed that there is no immunity for customs anti-smuggling officers and personnel, highlighting the coordination between customs and relevant entities in the General Intelligence Service and the Drug Administration in accordance with public interest.