Dubai Customs Says It Busted Major Drug Smuggling Attempts In 2022 And 2023

Dubai customs department revealed on Thursday that it thwarted major drug-smuggling attempts in 2022 and 2023, including seizing 50 kilograms of crystal meth and 251 kilograms of marijuana.

Crystal meth was reportedly smuggled in 382 air cargo packages, concealed in various items including hygiene-related products, exercise equipment, coffee vending machines and decorative items. On the other hand, marijuana was distributed across 3,477 packages hidden in oxygen cylinders for diving and sound amplifiers.

"Over the past two years, Dubai Customs officers in air cargo management have uncovered new tactics used in drug smuggling," Sultan Saif Al-Suwaidi, director of air cargo centers management at Dubai Customs, said according to WAM.

The department attributed the successful prevention of sophisticated smuggling tactics to advanced training and cutting-edge technology.

Al-Suwaidi lauded the extensive expertise and the continuous refining of skills of customs officers via specialized training courses focused on detecting contraband.

Al-Suwaidi also commended the inspectors who successfully handled 1,500 diverse cases, including illicit drug-related incidents and customs-related occurrences, at air cargo centers in 2022 and 2023 with the help of global support devices.

"These centers, characterized by high cargo movement, underscore Dubai Customs' commitment to uncovering smugglers' attempts involving prohibited substances in various forms, including counterfeit and restricted goods," he added.

Al-Suwaidi's statement came one day after Dubai Customs honored 1,200 long-serving employees of the department on Wednesday.

The event was organized at the InterContinental Festival City Hotel in Dubai and attended by Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, director general of Dubai Customs and CEO of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, as well as executive directors and department heads.

Musabih expressed his satisfaction with the employees and thanked them for being dedicated to their service.

"This occasion provides us with the opportunity to extend our gratitude to our human resources, wishing them continued success and advancement in realizing Dubai Customs' vision and objectives, where our human capital remains the cornerstone of its leadership and excellence," he said, as per official website.

He went on to share that Dubai's government is committed to providing a healthy and joyful work environment to all its government employees, ensuring employee satisfaction and productivity.

"At Dubai Customs, we are committed to introducing initiatives that align with the Dubai government's vision, enhancing organizational loyalty and nurturing robust relationships among work teams," he added.