A man who attempted to smuggle 600 live sheep into the country in the back of his lorry has been sentenced to three months in prison, the Judicial Department said today.
The man, identified only as FM, from an Asian country, was arrested after the police found the hidden animals using "sophisticated equipment". He had used wooden planks to give the impression that the lorry was empty.
It was the first time anyone had tried to conceal so many sheep in this manner, officials said.
The driver confessed in the Al Ain Court of First Instance that he was smuggling the sheep into the UAE without declaring them to customs officers. The only border crossings in Al Ain are between the UAE and Oman.
In accordance to Article 142 of the GCC customs law, the minimum fine is the same as the sum of custom fees, and must not exceed the price of the goods. Prison sentences are required to be a month minimum and no more than one year.
The smuggler had no customs documents for the sheep. The truck along with all the animals were confiscated.
The court also ordered the mand eported because of the "seriousness of the crime committed and his daringness to disobey the law and in accordance with Article 121 of the Federal Penal Code", a statement from the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department said.
The department said the ruling should deter animal smugglers, who can endanger the environment and the public health, as many smuggled livestock are infected with diseases.
The purpose of smuggling such animals is usually to escape procedural medical check ups, the department stated.
osalem@thenational.ae
Other workplace saving schemes
- The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
- Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
- National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
- In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
- Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.
Predictions
Predicted winners for final round of games before play-offs:
- Friday: Delhi v Chennai - Chennai
- Saturday: Rajasthan v Bangalore - Bangalore
- Saturday: Hyderabad v Kolkata - Hyderabad
- Sunday: Delhi v Mumbai - Mumbai
- Sunday - Chennai v Punjab - Chennai
Final top-four (who will make play-offs): Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Bangalore
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No more lice
Defining head lice
Pediculus humanus capitis are tiny wingless insects that feed on blood from the human scalp. The adult head louse is up to 3mm long, has six legs, and is tan to greyish-white in colour. The female lives up to four weeks and, once mature, can lay up to 10 eggs per day. These tiny nits firmly attach to the base of the hair shaft, get incubated by body heat and hatch in eight days or so.
Identifying lice
Lice can be identified by itching or a tickling sensation of something moving within the hair. One can confirm that a person has lice by looking closely through the hair and scalp for nits, nymphs or lice. Head lice are most frequently located behind the ears and near the neckline.
Treating lice at home
Head lice must be treated as soon as they are spotted. Start by checking everyone in the family for them, then follow these steps. Remove and wash all clothing and bedding with hot water. Apply medicine according to the label instructions. If some live lice are still found eight to 12 hours after treatment, but are moving more slowly than before, do not re-treat. Comb dead and remaining live lice out of the hair using a fine-toothed comb.
After the initial treatment, check for, comb and remove nits and lice from hair every two to three days. Soak combs and brushes in hot water for 10 minutes.Vacuum the floor and furniture, particularly where the infested person sat or lay.
Courtesy Dr Vishal Rajmal Mehta, specialist paediatrics, RAK Hospital