Picture used for illustrative purpose only.

Dubai Customs announced 1,273 drug seizures at border ports of the Emirate of Dubai (land, sea, air, and passenger operations). These included Tramadol tablets, Captagon, opium, heroin, cannabis seeds, marijuana, restricted narcotic drugs, and other drugs.

Dubai Customs is making further efforts to combat all forms of smuggling, especially narcotics, through its customs ports, to protect the community and the national economy from its negative effects by countering smuggling attempts.

Mansoor Al Malik, Executive Director for Policies and Legislation Division at Dubai Customs, confirmed that the department has prioritised protecting the community from narcotics and contraband, and its five-year plan 2021-2026 has included a major strategic goal to lead safe customs worldwide.

"This mission has been given tremendous priority given the increasing threats, in commitment to its national duty, and its belief in the great harm of drugs to the security and health of individuals and society," he said.

He also stressed that the department is committed to cooperating fully with strategic partners from the security authorities to thwart any attempt to smuggle drugs.

Rashid Al Dhabbah Al Suwaidi, Acting Director of Sea Customs Management, said that the Emirate of Dubai has become an international model in countering drugs and their risks and health damages. The total seizure reports during the past year amounted to 3735, including 1273 drug seizures.

He mentioned that Dubai Customs is known for having efficient inspection officers, and he is proud that the Emiratisation rate in this sector is 100 per cent.

Mohammed Abdullah Al Suwaidi, Senior Manager of Intelligence Operations in Dubai Customs, confirmed that within the Department's efforts to combat cross-border organised crime. Dubai Customs has enabled many customs authorities worldwide to thwart attempts to smuggle drugs. The international customs administrations praise the vital role of Dubai Customs in reducing drug smuggling globally. Its ability to combat local and global customs risks reducing smuggling and harming communities and youth.

"Among these seizures, Dubai Customs helped an Asian country seize up to 700 kilogrammes of "Methamphetamine" powder valued at approximately $310 million, which were concealed within a cargo ship, where the cargo ship and narcotics were seized, and this seizure stands as the second-largest drug confiscation ever made in this country," said Al Suwaidi.

Siyaj is a smart and integrated security system to monitor customs ports in the Emirate of Dubai. The system is based on several Modern technologies such as AI, binocular technique, drones, Eco-friendly electric cars, and unique devices to detect contraband and dangerous substances.

It's based on rapid intervention teams that work around the clock, drones, and the K9 dog unit section that supports targeting and field inspection operations within the Customs campus.

In a qualitative operation called "Cockpit”, Dubai Customs managed to thwart the smuggling of 234.68 kilogrammes of narcotic drugs "hashish" and prevent them from being successfully trafficked into the UAE.

WAM