Dubai Customs foils bid to smuggle AED25m narcotics

DUBAI / WAM

An attempt to smuggle 251.2 kg of crystal meth and 6.4 kg of heroin, with an estimated market value of AED25 million has been foiled by a joint team of the Customs Intelligence Department and Jebel Ali Customs Centre in Dubai The operation was nicknamed “Gear Box” – the illegal drugs were concealed inside used vehicle spare parts. Even though the drugs were very cleverly concealed, the inspectors uncovered the illegal shipment using a combination of tools including an in-house smart detection system and a canine unit. The Smart Risk Engine, developed in-house by Dubai Customs using the latest AI applications, recognises the upcoming risky shipments and creates a profile for different expected risks. The risk engine classified the spare parts shipment as risky.
“We work together to thwart any smuggling attempts to protect our society from the hazards of drugs,” said Yousef Al Hashimi, Director of Jebel Ali Customs Centers Management. “We have built a very advanced system to curb these illegal attempts and this seizure reveals the level of professionalism and skills of our staff.”
Shuaib Al Suwaidi, Director of Customs Intelligence Department stated, “We enhanced the security at our entry points with the most advanced systems to protect our society from any threats of these illegal items, and, at the same time, support legitimate trade as part of our vision in Dubai Customs.”