'Magic' trade is big business in region

[icymist]

Published: 07/17/2006 12:00 AM (UAE)



'Magic' trade is big business in region
By Charles Stratford, Staff Reporter



Abu Dhabi: Ancient inscriptions on stone tablets, animal pelts and claws, talisman dating back to pre-Islamic times - the trade in "magic" is big business across the Middle East and beyond, says the Abu Dhabi Customs Department.

Statistics acquired by Gulf News show that in April and May this year there were 27 seizures of what are described as illegal "magic items" at various points of entry into the emirate.

Only seizures of what the customs statistics call "medicines" from Pakistan come close in quantity over the same period.


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