Dubai Customs combats smuggling of rare and endangered animals

Dubai, Jan 15, 2009 (WAM) - Dubai Customs yesterday said they foiled a number of attempts last year to smuggle and bring into the country rare animals into the emirate.

This was announced at a press conference at Dubai Customs main building by Yousif Al Sahlawi, Executive Director of Customs Policies and Legislations and Mohammed Al Marri, Executive Director of Customs cargo Operations.

Al Saleh announced the discovery of attempts to bring into Dubai or re-export rare animals' products including endangered lions, smuggled ivory, stuffed crocodiles, rare birds, deers, falcons and stuffed foxes by a number of traders and clients dealing with such internationally banned articles under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and international laws prohibiting trade in endangered species of animals.

"Dubai Customs is committed to international laws and agreements and the Common Customs Law of the GCC States. It is also committed to stop all attempts to bring into the country prohibited products including endangered animals manufactured products", he affirmed.

AL Saleh pointed out that UAE accession to CITES, which controls trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora as to protect human natural legacy, was in 1990.

CITES and annexes thereof determines the levels of trade in any species included therein and regulates movement and passage of wild species and products thereof across international borders whether or not for commercial or personal purposes.

"Unfair hunting and illegitimate trade in animals threaten world biological balance and lead to extinction of living beings.