Dubai Customs Announces Significant Drug Seizures In 2023 To Combat Smuggling

Dubai Customs reported 1,273 drug seizures at the Emirate's border ports, including land, sea, air, and passenger operations. The confiscated substances included Tramadol tablets, Captagon, opium, heroin, cannabis seeds, marijuana, restricted narcotic drugs, and other illegal substances. The department is intensifying efforts to combat smuggling to safeguard the community and national economy from its adverse effects.

Mansoor Al Malik, Executive Director for Policies and Legislation Division at Dubai Customs, highlighted that protecting the community from narcotics is a top priority. The department's five-year plan (2021-2026) aims to lead safe customs worldwide. This mission is crucial due to increasing threats and the significant harm drugs pose to individual and societal security and health. Al Malik also emphasised the department's commitment to working closely with strategic partners from security authorities to prevent drug smuggling attempts.

Rashid Al-Dhabbah Al-Suwaidi, Acting Director of Sea Customs Management, stated that Dubai has become an international model in countering drugs and their associated risks. Last year alone saw 3,735 seizure reports, including 1,273 drug seizures. He praised the efficiency of Dubai Customs' inspection officers and noted that the Emiratisation rate in this sector is 100 percent.

Mohammed Abdullah Al-Suwaidi, Senior Manager of Intelligence Operations at Dubai Customs, confirmed that their efforts extend beyond local borders. Dubai Customs has assisted many customs authorities globally in thwarting drug smuggling attempts. International customs administrations commend Dubai Customs for its role in reducing global drug smuggling risks. One notable seizure involved helping an Asian country intercept 700 kilogrammes of Methamphetamine powder worth approximately $310 million concealed within a cargo ship.

Siyaj is a sophisticated security system used by Dubai Customs to monitor customs ports across the Emirate. This system incorporates modern technologies such as AI, binocular techniques, drones, eco-friendly electric cars, and specialised devices for detecting contraband and dangerous substances. It includes rapid intervention teams working around the clock with support from drones and the K9 dog unit section for targeting and field inspections.

In a significant operation named "Cockpit," Dubai Customs successfully prevented the smuggling of 234.68 kilogrammes of hashish into the UAE. This operation underscores their ongoing commitment to thwarting drug trafficking activities effectively.

The concerted efforts of Dubai Customs have made substantial contributions to both local safety and global anti-smuggling initiatives. Their dedication to using advanced technology and strategic partnerships continues to protect communities from the dangers of narcotics.

With inputs from WAM