The convict with the contraband.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

In a significant operation, Dubai Customs successfully intercepted an Asian traveller's attempt to smuggle 7.06 kilogrammes of illicit marijuana through Dubai International Airport. The drugs were cleverly hidden inside bags of a well-known breakfast cereal. The passenger and the seized narcotics were promptly handed over to the General Directorate of Anti-Narcotics at Dubai Police for further legal action.

This collaborative effort reflects the strong partnership between Dubai Customs and Dubai Police. The vigilant inspectors of the Passenger Operations Department at Terminal 1 successfully seized a quantity of marijuana concealed within bags of a renowned breakfast cereal brand, presenting a formidable challenge to detection.

The suspicion arose when unusual dark substances were discovered within the bags, potentially indicating the presence of prohibited material. Consequently, standard procedures were promptly implemented to address the situation. Khaled Ahmed stressed that despite the year-on-year surge in traveller volumes in Dubai, comprehensive operational plans and programs are in place to effectively counteract the perils associated with drug trafficking.

Dubai Customs is actively intensifying its efforts to safeguard the community by combating drug smuggling at Dubai's customs ports. Their ultimate goal is to protect the community, promote sustainable economic development, and adhere to a vision of secure and internationally leading customs practices. Ibrahim Kamali, the Director of Passengers Operations Department at Dubai Customs, emphasised the department's unwavering commitment to shielding the community from the detrimental effects and risks associated with drug abuse.

 The drugs were hidden in breakfast cereals.

Dubai Customs plays a vital role as the first line of defence, ensuring the security, safety, and well-being of the community. To achieve this, the department equips its customs centres with cutting-edge inspection systems and devices and state-of-the-art technology to effectively detect drugs and other prohibited substances. Kamali further highlighted their strategic approach, stating, "We have a clear vision and a well-defined strategy to streamline passenger procedures while maintaining utmost diligence in thwarting smuggling attempts.

Dubai Customs places significant emphasis on facilitating the smooth movement of passengers arriving in the UAE through Dubai's airports, projecting Dubai as a global tourism capital and a preferred destination for visitors. As part of our continuous efforts, we provide comprehensive and intensive training programmrs to enhance the proficiency of our customs inspectors.

These training courses refine their scientific and practical skills, enabling them to efficiently detect drug smuggling attempts. Our inspectors combine advanced capabilities in drug detection, utilizing sophisticated inspection devices at Dubai's border crossings, along with their exceptional expertise in interpreting individuals' body language to identify drug trafficking attempts.

On the other hand, Khaled Ahmed, the Senior Manager of Passenger Operations Department at Terminal 1, highlighted the multitude and variations of drug smuggling methods. Smugglers make cunning attempts to outsmart customs inspectors, employing tactics such as body packing, hiding them within cosmetic products, cleverly integrating them into the sides and bottoms of bags, discreetly blending them with clothing items, camouflaging them amidst popular breakfast cereals, assorted spice packets, and even concealing them within seasonal fruits to enhance their covert nature.