Judicial Action to Combat Tampering at Customs Ports

SMA NEWS – ADEN THE CAPITAL
At the Public Prosecutor’s Office, Judge Qaher Mustafa Ali, held a meeting on Wednesday, at the Public Prosecution Office. The meeting included First Attorney General Judge Fawzi Ali Saif, Attorney General of Public Funds Nabil Jubah, Head of the Public Funds Prosecution Office Abdullah Salem, as well as representatives of the Tax and Customs Prosecution Office and the Anti-Corruption Prosecution Office.

The meeting was also attended by the Head of the Customs Authority and the Authority’s legal representative, the Director of the Free Zone Customs, the Director of Aden Airport Customs, the Undersecretary of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, the Director General of Financial Affairs at the Authority, the Director of Legal Affairs, the Director of Aviation Security, the Director General of Aden International Airport, the Director of Airport Security, the Head of the Specifications and Standards Authority, and a number of relevant officials.

The meeting discussed mechanisms for coordination and joint cooperation between the Public Prosecution Office and the relevant authorities to combat customs smuggling crimes, the smuggling of goods, antiquities, gold, and drugs, as well as military and dual-use devices and equipment.

Judge Qaher emphasized the importance of preparing reports and summoning the Public Prosecution Office to record the facts and seize the seized items, and not hand them over to any other party, as the Public Prosecution Office is the competent authority to dispose of them in accordance with the law. He emphasized the need for swift legal action by the competent prosecution offices in economic cases and those related to citizens’ public health, given their importance in strengthening the rule of law and consolidating the foundations of the state.

The meeting also reviewed the obstacles facing law enforcement agencies, most notably the interference of some non-specialized entities in customs and security cases and procedures at ports and airports. In this context, the Attorney General directed the immediate submission of reports on any illegal interference by judicial police officers.

The Judge Qaher concluded the meeting by emphasizing the need to continue holding such meetings to activate the role of law enforcement agencies and enhance coordination among relevant authorities.