Statistics released by Dubai Customs showed that Dubai Customs’ Passenger Operations Department has dealt with 20.44 million passengers’ items of luggage on board 88,000 flights arriving into Terminal 3, Dubai International Airport in 2019. They also completed 34,200 customs transactions and made 1,301 seizures (1,198 criminal seizures and 103 customs seizures).

An advanced full body scanner was behind a number of seizures including a passenger’s drug muling attempt who hid 82 cocaine capsules that weighed 1,157 grams in her guts. Other examples included Dubai Customs’ two bags with 37 kg of khat (qat) inside and other bag that contained 4.3 kg of cocaine.

During his tour of terminal 3 at the Dubai International Airport, Director-General of Dubai Customs Ahmed Mahboob Musabih said he was very happy Dubai Customs is part of the success and distinction Dubai International Airport reached. It is the first airport worldwide to have automated customs procedures and this has noticeably facilitated passenger traffic during peak seasons such as hajj and holiday seasons.

Musabih toured the terminal’s facilities including the inspection areas and operation and control rooms, and highly applauded the level of alertness and discipline the inspection officers have at the airport. He thanked them for their efforts in thwarting smuggling attempts.

He added, “In fulfilment of our wise leadership’s vision and in support of our national economy we do our best to facilitate passenger traffic and enhance Dubai external trade.”

WAM