Dubai Customs seizes huge cargo of counterfeit goods

Dubai Customs inspectors said on Sunday they had foiled a bid to bring a huge quantity of counterfeit goods into the country.

The three-tonne cargo arrived in the emirate from an Asian country and was found to contain large quantities of products contrary to what was written in the customs declaration.

The declaration said the cargo contained mobile telephones only but in fact also included ladies` handbags, glasses and watches bearing renowned international trademarks like Hermes, Apple, Gucci, Rolex and Nokia.

Omer Al Mehairy, senior air cargo, Operations, said: "In view of customs inspector`s sagacity, alertness and attention, the huge cargo aroused their doubts, and so they detained it."

He added that tests revealed that the international trademarks were found to be counterfeits.

The goods' owner was placed on the black list and referred to the Legal Department at Dubai Customs for further legal action, Al Mehairy added.

The owners of the trademarks were notified of the matter and have lodged complaints, he said, adding that Dubai Customs confiscated the goods.

Dubai Customs' related seizures in the first half of 2011 totalled 234 compared to 336 seizures in the same period last year.