DUBAI, UAE, June 30: Dubai Customs has announced a significant crackdown on drug smuggling activities, revealing 1,273 seizures across land, sea, and air borders over the past year. Employing state-of-the-art technologies including drones, Dubai Customs has dramatically reduced inspection times from six hours to just five minutes, marking a pivotal advancement in border security.

Among the confiscated narcotics were tramadol tablets, Captagon, opium, heroin, cannabis seeds, marijuana, and other restricted substances. Rashid Al-Dhabbah Al-Suwaidi, Acting Director of Sea Customs Management, highlighted that these seizures contributed to a total of 3,735 enforcement actions during the year, underscoring the agency's commitment to combatting drug trafficking.

Mohammed Abdullah Al-Suwaidi, Senior Manager of Intelligence Operations at Dubai Customs, disclosed a collaborative effort resulting in the interception of 700 kilograms of Methamphetamine powder, valued at approximately $310 million, concealed within a cargo ship bound for an Asian destination. This operation stands as one of the largest drug confiscations in the country's history.

Adel Al Suwaidi, Director of the Technical Support Department, outlined Dubai Customs' comprehensive approach to thwart smuggling attempts. Utilizing the Smart Risk Engine for early warning alerts and employing various inspection methods such as manual checks, X-ray scanning, and K9 sniffer dogs, Dubai Customs ensures thorough scrutiny of suspicious shipments.

Dubai Customs has recently equipped the Jebel Ali and Tecom Customs Centers with a groundbreaking X-ray scanning system capable of inspecting heavy and light vehicles, equipment, and yachts in just five minutes, significantly enhancing operational efficiency and supporting the flow of trade through Jebel Ali Port, a pivotal hub in the Middle East.

The Siyaj security system, integrated with AI, binocular techniques, drones, and eco-friendly electric cars, enhances monitoring capabilities at Dubai's customs ports. This system includes rapid intervention teams, K9 units, and advanced surveillance technologies to detect contraband and ensure the safety of shipments entering the country.

In a notable operation codenamed "Cockpit," Dubai Customs intercepted and seized 234.68 kilograms of hashish, preventing its illegal distribution within the UAE. The operation involved the meticulous inspection of a dhow at the Creek Customs Center and Deira Port, where the endoscope technology played a crucial role in uncovering narcotics hidden within the ship's cockpit.

Dubai Customs continues to employ cutting-edge technologies and rigorous inspection protocols to safeguard the country from the influx of illicit substances, reinforcing its role as a leading authority in border security and trade facilitation.