Dubai Customs reported 1,273 seizures of illicit drugs at land, sea, and air ports across the emirate as part of efforts commemorating the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
Dubai Customs Drug Seizures
Highlighting successes over the past year, notable seizures included 234.68 kg of hashish and collaboration with an Asian country, resulting in the seizure of 700 kg of methamphetamine.
The seizures encompassed various narcotics such as tramadol tablets, Captagon, opium, heroin, cannabis seeds, marijuana, and other restricted substances. Dubai Customs emphasized its ongoing commitment to combat all forms of smuggling, particularly narcotics, to safeguard community safety and protect the national economy from detrimental impacts.
Dubai Customs' Strategic Goals
Mansoor Al Malik, Executive Director for Policies and Legislation Division at Dubai Customs, affirmed the department's strategic goal within its 2021–2026 five-year plan to lead global safe customs practices. This initiative underscores their dedication to national duty and the imperative to mitigate the threats posed by drugs to societal health and security.
The department, under the directives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, collaborates closely with security partners to thwart drug smuggling attempts. These efforts align with Dubai's overarching strategy to enhance border port security and ensure competitiveness at regional and international levels.
Rashid Al-Dhabbah Al-Suwaidi, Acting Director of Sea Customs Management, hailed Dubai's stature as an international exemplar in combating drug-related risks and health hazards. Dubai Customs continuously enhances its human capital, particularly customs officers, through rigorous training in state-of-the-art customs inspection techniques. This investment aims to uphold Dubai's reputation as a global trade hub and one of the safest cities worldwide.
Technological Advancements
Ibrahim Al Kamali, Director of the Passenger Operations Department, highlighted Dubai Customs' deployment of cutting-edge inspection technologies, including advanced visceral inspection devices. These technologies enable customs officers to detect concealed drugs effectively, supported by comprehensive training to refine detection skills.
Eng. Adel Al Suwaidi, Director of the Technical Support Department, underscored Dubai Customs' adoption of an integrated approach to deter smuggling attempts. This approach incorporates early warning technologies like the Smart Risk Engine to preemptively identify suspicious shipments. Moreover, advanced inspection methods such as X-ray scanning and K9 units bolster inspection capabilities across Dubai's customs centers.
Dubai Customs has also implemented groundbreaking X-ray scanning systems at Jebel Ali and TECOM Customs Centre, enhancing inspection efficiency for heavy and light vehicles, equipment, and yachts. This technological advancement significantly accelerates inspection processes, supporting seamless business operations and reinforcing Jebel Ali Port's status as a key global hub.
Through these proactive measures and investments in state-of-the-art technologies, Dubai Customs remains steadfast in its mission to combat drug smuggling, uphold border security, and maintain Dubai's position as a leading global trade and logistics hub.