Dubai Customs has significantly intensified its operations across all border points in a bid to counter drug smuggling, reinforcing the emirate’s position as a global leader in safe customs practices. These efforts align with a national strategy aimed at shielding society from the dangers of drug trafficking, and are being carried out through cutting-edge inspection technology, enhanced international cooperation, and ongoing training of frontline staff.
Speaking on the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, marked annually on June 26, Yasser Al-Muslimi, Senior Customs Affairs Consultant and Supervisor of the Customs Inspection Sector, underlined the department’s growing global recognition.
“With a 100% national workforce, our goal is to achieve global leadership in safe customs,” Al-Muslimi said. “We are investing heavily in advanced detection systems, risk-analysis tools, and training programs that empower our inspectors to tackle all types of smuggling.”
World-Class Systems and Skilled Teams
Dubai’s customs centers are now equipped with state-of-the-art technologies developed both internationally and internally. These systems enhance the ability to detect contraband with pinpoint accuracy. Smart risk engines developed by Dubai Customs themselves play a key role in identifying high-risk shipments and passenger behaviors. Training programs for inspectors focus on reading body language, profiling, and understanding emerging concealment techniques.
This integrated strategy has led to the detection and seizure of some of the largest narcotics shipments in the region. In one major operation at an air cargo terminal, 1.2 tonnes of psychoactive substances were intercepted. The seizure followed a meticulous process of risk data analysis and high-tech screening, showcasing the inspectors’ analytical acumen and precision.
In another high-profile bust, 147.4 kilograms of narcotics and psychoactive substances were discovered at a Dubai seaport. The drugs were concealed in a suspicious container in transit, which prompted intensified surveillance and use of advanced scanning tools. The operation is being hailed as a textbook case of international border protection and quick-response inspection.
A Regional Model in Border Security
The results reflect the UAE’s broader anti-narcotics framework and Dubai’s growing role as a regional model for safe customs practices. Al-Muslimi emphasized that the department’s strategic goal is not only deterrence, but also prevention through intelligence-led inspections and cross-agency collaboration, both locally and internationally.
Dubai Customs’ latest efforts underscore its unwavering commitment to maintaining one of the safest and most secure cities in the world. With more than 60 million passengers, tons of cargo, and thousands of containers passing through the emirate’s air, sea, and land borders each year, the challenge is immense—but so is the response.
