Carrying goods from strangers can get you arrested in UAE

Dubai: When travelling abroad, never accept to carry goods from strangers, no matter how innocent their request may be.

A video published on the online news site Abu Dhabi Network warned passengers against accepting goods from strangers, and advised travellers abroad to never help carry packages or parcels into the UAE.

In the online video, viewers can see how a simple box can be tampered with and used in transporting banned substances.

Once the box of the mobile phone was unsealed and opened, officials discovered narcotics inside the case.

When entering the UAE, passengers are prohibited from importing, exporting or transiting a number of substances and goods into the country. The restrictions and prohibitions of goods are determined in accordance with GCC Customs Tariff Codes.

However, there are certain goods that require permits from the competent authority. 

Dubai Customs inspectors foiled 1,628 smuggling attempts in 2017 compared to 1,347 in 2016. 

Banned items in the UAE

All kinds of narcotic drugs (such as hashish, cocaine, heroin, poppy seeds, etc).

Goods imported from boycotted countries.

Goods from Israeli origin or bearing Israeli trademarks or logos.

Crude ivory and rhinoceros horn.

Gambling tools and machineries.

Original engravings, prints, lithographs, sculpture and statues.

Radiation polluted substances.

Printed publications, oil paintings, photographs, pictures, cards, books, magazines and sculptures that contradict Islamic teachings.

Forged and duplicate currency.

Cooked and home-made foods.

Source: Dubai Customs