Dubai Customs made more than 2,100 drug-related seizures last year, according to a new report.
In total, Dubai Customs officials completed 4,235 cases – more than half of which were drug-related.
Advanced training, drone technology and even “robot dolphins” have been deployed to help officials monitor customs.
Dubai Customs’ efforts in developing inspections, including advanced training and new technology, resulted in the completion of 4,235 customs cases, including 2,147 drug-related seizures and 75 intellectual property seizures.
Dubai Customs inspections
In regards to customs violations and evasion of customs and excise duties, 1,393 cases were recorded in 2022.
These seizures are part of the Department’s strategy to protect the community from security risks and contribute to enhancing security, which is a key factor in attracting investment.
Customs agencies are the first line of defence for the community, and these efforts align with the Department’s vision to become a leading customs administration in the world that supports legitimate trade.
Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director General of Dubai Customs and the CEO of the Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation, is committed to leading global secure customs as the key objective of Dubai Customs’ 2021-2026 Strategy.
He emphasised the critical role played by customs officers and inspectors in enhancing security, protecting society and the economy, and preventing the smuggling of restricted and counterfeit goods.
As Dubai sets its sights on global leadership, the emirate has become an international model for combating the health risks and damage caused by drugs, with Dubai Customs effectively participating in these efforts by developing its human resources to meet the highest customs inspection standards.
Dubai’s position as an international trading centre and a global attraction for investment and business is reinforced by its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the health and safety of its citizens and residents, as well as those in other countries who may be affected by smuggled goods passing through Dubai.
Mohammed Abdullah Al-Suwaidi, Acting Director of the Customs Intelligence Department, lauded the employees at customs ports for their unwavering security awareness towards the country, its citizens and residents, and their steadfast commitment to enhancing Dubai’s and the UAE’s global status.
Their efforts are crucial to protecting human lives, economies, and societies from the grave risks and damages caused by smuggled goods.
By continuing to maintain the highest standards of customs inspection, Dubai Customs is sending a strong message to the world that it will not tolerate any compromise on the safety and security of its people, the global community, and the global trade system.
Dubai Customs has implemented a range of smart systems to support their security efforts, including the Smart Risk Engine.
Dubai Customs has developed numerous innovative customs inspection systems, including the “Smart Deterrence Drone,” a 3D-printed drone protected by a mesh rubber shield that makes it resistant to impact.
This drone efficiently and accurately inspects narrow and hazardous areas in air, sea, and land that may endanger inspectors’ safety. It is equipped with motion sensors to prevent collision and a 4K resolution camera with night vision to record images and videos inside for accurate documentation purposes.
It is also designed to connect to the Dubai Customs control and command room. Another innovation is the “Siyaj Buggy,” which is used to inspect underneath vehicles and trucks, featuring high-resolution imaging with recording and storage capabilities, a 360-degree imaging range, and a control range of up to 30 meters, aimed at enhancing the Customs inspection system for the “Siyaj” initiative.
Additionally, the “Customs Dolphins” is a highly advanced water robot resembling a dolphin with an ultra-wide waterproof camera that can automatically scan a designated area in the sea identified by GPS, with a control and image transfer distance of around 1000 meters.
Adel Al-Suwaidi, Director of Technical Support, said: “We are committed to developing customs inspection systems using the latest smart applications for information technology and artificial intelligence to keep pace with the continuous development of monitoring and inspection operations.”
Al-Suwaidi also stated that Dubai Customs plays a vital role in supporting the capabilities of customs centres by providing advanced inspection equipment and smart systems, and by training customs dogs in the K9 unit to ensure their constant readiness in detecting attempts to smuggle prohibited substances.
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