MUSCAT: A total 3,000 counterfeit cigarette boxes were seized by the Royal Oman Police in raids on several locations.
The Investigation and Risk Assessment team, affiliated to the Sohar Industrial Port Customs of the Directorate of Customs, and the North Al Batinah Royal Oman Police, in co-ordination with the Public Prosecution, raided locations in Huwail area in Saham Wilayat and seized 3,000 counterfeit cigarette packets and as many as 100 kilogrammes of chewing tobacco.
The team arrested three Asians for promoting and selling counterfeit cigarettes and chewing tobacco. The violators were held and the items were seized pending further investigations.
The Royal Oman Police (ROP) deported 70 illegal expats, all of them Asians, on Wednesday, after arresting them for entering the country illegally.
“Deportation of the individuals is done through a legal procedure that is agreed upon under international standards. Each individual’s embassy was contacted in order to confirm the identities of the offenders and complete the procedures required for them to leave the country,” said the ROP source.
He also said that the ROP treats illegal aliens with respect and dignity, and grants them their human rights. The offenders are fed and medically taken care of until the date of their deportation.
Officers stationed at Wadi Hafit border post foiled an attempt by an Omani citizen to smuggle in firecrackers.
The citizen was trying to smuggle firecrackers as well as toy pistols and laser pens.
