Attempt foiled to smuggle out large quantities of ration foodstuffs

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KUWAIT CITY, May 23: The Kuwaiti authorities have foiled an attempt to smuggle 550 cartons of government subsidized milk and other foodstuffs. The incident highlights the ongoing efforts to combat illicit trade and protect the integrity of the local supply chain, reports Al-Rai daily Abdullah Al-Hajri, Director of the Sulaibiya and Vegetable Customs Administration, told the daily that, from January 1, 2022 to May 6, 2023, tons of food supplies were seized, including 8,800 cartons of milk, 1,173 bags of sugar, 224 boxes of infant formula, 5,036 boxes of oil, and 4,490 bags of bread and rice, 1,492 bags of lentils, 486 cartons of tomato paste, 5,100 bags of flour, 11,882 bags of pasta, and 3,675 boxes of ghee which the suspects were attempting to smuggle out of the country.

He stated that these seizures are part of a series of customs seizures that took place within about 16 months, pointing out that customs seizure reports were recorded and handed over to the Supply Department at the Ministry of Commerce to take the necessary action in this regard. He stressed that the customs personnel stand on the lookout for the smugglers of supply materials at all customs outlets, explaining that they have strict instructions to check the departing goods and vehicles to prevent the smuggling of these subsidized foodstuffs.

Al-Hajri added that the customs personnel, in cooperation with the ministries of Commerce and the Interior, carry out preemptive checks on shipping companies, which resulted in the detection of some of those involved in smuggling supplies by hiding them in personal belongings when shipped.

This is in addition to the Ministry of Commerce tightening control over workers at the ration distribution centers at the cooperative societies, as well as through the automatic link between the distribution centers and the ministry. From January 1, 2022 to May 6, 2023 the authorities have seized 8,800 cans of powder milk, 1,173 bags of sugar, 224 boxes of infant formula, 5,036 cans of oil, 4,490 bread bags, 1,492 bags of lentils, 486 cartons of tomato paste, 5,100 bags of flour, 11,882 bags of pasta and 3,675 boxes of local ghee.

According to reports, the confiscated powdered milk tins were intended to be smuggled out of Kuwait in violation of import regulations. The authorities, vigilant in their duties, intercepted the shipment at a port of entry, preventing the illegal entry of the goods. Kuwaiti authorities remain committed to combating smuggling activities and maintaining the integrity of the local market. Such acts undermine the efforts of the government to provide essential supplies to its citizens and can have adverse effects on the economy and public welfare.

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