More than 300 smugglers and smugglers were caught illegally entering Oman.
During the third quarter of 2020, the Coast Guard Police arrested 322 smugglers and illegal entrants from various countries in various operations.
The Omani police said that the infiltrators were caught in Omani territorial waters.
The ongoing statement said that the Coast Guard in collaboration with other police agencies conducted successful operations against drug trafficking by sea.
Director of Operations at the Coast Guard Police Command, Lt. Col. Abdul Aziz Al Jabri, said that Coast Guard officers are regularly trained to deal with such incidents in Omani waters.
He said that Coast Guard personnel constantly put their lives at risk while fighting smugglers and illegal immigrants, especially during the most difficult time of night which is full of dangers and challenges.
Aljabri said that it is the experience of the Coast Guard personnel that makes them better at dealing with the smuggling boats.
He said that dealing with smugglers has become even more difficult during the Corona epidemic, as those entering Oman illegally are not aware of the precautionary measures in relation to the epidemic, but police boat crews accompany them. Handles by following the exact procedure so that the virus cannot be transmitted.
Colonel Abdulaziz Al Jabri said that the Coast Guard Police is also in contact with the Ministry of Health authorities in relation to the prevention of the virus, so that when the infiltrators are brought to the relevant centers for medical examination of Corona, special medical staff will also be with them.
He also thanked the citizens on behalf of the Royal Oman Police who timely inform the police on the entry of any suspicious person or boat in the maritime boundaries.
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**Interview with Captain Ahmed Al-Rahman, Spokesperson for the Omani Coast Guard**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Captain Al-Rahman. The recent reports indicate that more than 300 smugglers and illegal entrants were apprehended in Oman during the third quarter of 2020. Can you provide us with more details about these operations?
**Captain Al-Rahman:** Thank you for having me. Yes, during the third quarter of 2020, our Coast Guard Police undertook several operations which led to the arrest of 322 individuals who were attempting to illegally enter Oman. These operations were executed in cooperation with various law enforcement agencies and were primarily focused on our territorial waters where we have seen an increase in such activities.
**Editor:** That’s a significant number. What can you tell us about the profiles of these individuals? Were they from specific countries or regions?
**Captain Al-Rahman:** The individuals caught during these operations came from diverse nationalities. Our investigations are ongoing, and we work closely with international partners to ensure that we understand the networks involved in smuggling operations. The majority were attempting to enter Oman for various reasons, including economic opportunities, but the risks associated with illegal entry are substantial.
**Editor:** What measures are being implemented to prevent such illegal activities in the future?
**Captain Al-Rahman:** We are enhancing our surveillance capabilities and increasing patrols in key areas along our coastlines. Additionally, we are focusing on improving community awareness about the dangers of smuggling networks, both for potential migrants and residents. Cooperation with international law enforcement agencies is also a crucial part of our strategy to tackle smuggling broadly.
**Editor:** How does the Omani government view the issue of illegal entry and smuggling in the region?
**Captain Al-Rahman:** The Omani government takes this issue very seriously. We are committed to maintaining the integrity of our borders and ensuring the safety of all individuals within our territory. Smuggling not only poses risks to national security but can also endanger those who fall victim to such illegal operations. Our collective efforts are aimed at deterring these activities and promoting legal pathways for migration.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Captain Al-Rahman. It’s clear that the Omani Coast Guard is actively working to address these challenges effectively.
**Captain Al-Rahman:** Thank you for having me. We appreciate the platform to raise awareness on this important issue.
