Dubai Customs conducts 1037 seizures during H1-2014
DUBAI- The Dubai Customs’ Passenger Operations Department conducted 1037 confiscations over the first half of 2014, that is a growth of 23% compared to 843 seizures achieved in the same period last year. The seized items included narcotic drugs, prohibited and restricted substances, fake documents, as well as arms and accessories.
Sultan bin Sulayem, Chairman of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) remarked that all of Dubai Customs’ achievements owe primarily to the vision and unwavering support of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, who is always supportive of DC’s efforts and its vital role in serving the national economy.
Sultan Bin Sulayem added: ”As per the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed, Dubai Customs is committed to upgrade facilitations to streamline the tourism and travel flow in Dubai through top-notch passenger services.”
On his part, Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director of Dubai Customs, said:” These figures are in line with the measures taken by Dubai Customs to protect the community and boost Dubai and UAE’s security and stability, being the society’s first line of defence.”
Mahboob pointed out that Dubai Customs is faced with the challenge to strike the right balance between facilitating and expediting the flow of individuals and consignments while safeguarding the local economy and community against any threats to their safety.
He stressed that these seizures resulted from the diligent efforts of DC staff, who have a strong sense of patriotism, corporate loyalty and security attentiveness. They have acquired the experience and knowledge that enable them to grasp the ever-changing tricks played by smugglers.
Dubai Customs acquired a set of latest world-class inspection equipment, as part of the DC’s efforts to secure ports and prevent the entry of goods that affect the safety of the country or the health of its people, without influencing the flow of individuals and goods. Through these measures, Dubai Customs aims to preserve Dubai’s spearhead position as a business destination of choice.
Ahmed bin Lahej, Director of Passenger Operations at Dubai Customs, said: “We had a total of 1037 seizures during the first half of this year. Fake documents and passports represented 357 confiscations; arms and accessories 159 seizures; narcotics 205; Paan 140; restricted medicines 19; counterfeit goods 18; wildlife (CITES) 10 seizures; besides the smuggling of fake credit cards, undeclared goods, tools used in sorcery and black magic, in addition to evasion of customs duty.”
Bin Lahej also added, smuggling techniques and methods have changed compared to 2013. Whereas, smuggling attempts mounted up to 951 via travel bags, 13 over passengers body , 23 through handbags, 17 via ingestion, 3 via outfits, 9 via trousers pockets and 5 via wallets.
He also stated that Dubai Airports are deploying 53 inspection devices, 50 of which are designated for luggage X-ray, and three intestinal scanning devices.
Besides that Dubai Airports are employing around highly trained 660 male and female inspectors, who are always at the frontier line in learning throughout specialized courses on techniques pertaining the art of inspection, drugs and smuggling techniques, sourcing and forging, decoding body language amongst many other top notch expert trainings.
He continued, “The leadership team at Dubai Customs represented by HE Ahmed Mahboob, are very much keen on motivating Customs inspectors, by honoring inspectors who made such seizures (narcotics and contraband) at Al Furdah annual ceremony.”
Hallmark seizure for first half of 2014
Sultan Bin Sulayem, Chairman of PCFC, and Ahmed Mahboob, Dubai Customs Director, have honoured 3 Customs inspectors working at Airport Operations in DXB Terminal 3, who managed to foil a smuggling attempt of 24 kg of heroin.
Bin Sulayem praised the efforts of Passengers Operation efforts in deterring this huge quantity of heroin. He stressed that this operation reflects Dubai Customs firm stand against all bids to smuggle toxic drugs which are harmful to the community into the UAE through Dubai ports.
