Sudanese security says determined to combat gold smuggling
January 27, 2016 (EL-DAMAR) – The director of Sudan’s National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) Mohamed Atta has declared a call up in the River Nile state to combat the smuggling of gold, arms and illegal drugs besides organized crime.
He pointed to the recent amendments approved by the parliament on the criminal code, saying it aims to curb gold smuggling.
The spy-chief described the gold as a national treasure that contributes to supporting the national economy, saying the border state of the River Nile is considered one of the largest gold producing states.
He disclosed that Sudan’s production of gold has reached 80 tones which is equivalent to $4 billion, calling upon residents to be cautious about drugs and arms dealers who seek to destroy the young people and the economy.
Atta praised people’s support for the NISS by offering information, advice and resources as well as sacrificing their souls, saying the call up aims to ensure that the central bank receives the entire gold production through the legal channels.
He added the call up also seeks to stop arms smuggling and organized crime, calling upon all residents of the state to support NISS to achieve those national goals.
The spy-chief further underscored that NISS’s new premises would open its doors to all institutions, organizations and political parties to hold their political activities in it, pledging to complete the construction of the hospital in El-Damar locality besides building the Olympic swimming pool in Atbara.
Gold has become one of Sudan’s largest exports which partially compensated for the loss in oil revenues, which accounted for more than 50% of income until 2011 when South Sudan seceded, thus taking with it most of the country’s oil reserves.
Sudan currently ranks third in gold production behind South Africa and Ghana but aims to land in the first place by 2018.