Dubai Customs has seized approximately 330 tonnes of illegal products and 200 samples of different prohibited items under the CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) Convention.
The seized items are primarily endangered and protected reptiles, mammals and plant species. The products were seized over the course of several months during routine customs inspections of goods and shipments entering or exiting Dubai Port.
The seizures included 12,000 species of protected rattle snakes, cobras, turtles, lizards, and chameleons. Additionally, 48 pygmy chimpanzees, 25 sloths, and 11 wallabies were seized.
In addition, 20,000 plant species, including 600 endangered varieties and some 50,000 designated and protected narcotic plants were seized. These plants were mainly used for medicinal purposes.
The contraband goods were confiscated and destroyed, in order to limit their spread and protect the environment, local biodiversity and trade law.
Dubai Customs announced that their daily efforts and the coordination of their customs inspectors across the Emirate of Dubai are an important part of achieving their goals of protecting the environment and ensuring compliance with international and local trade law.