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Dubai Customs seizes Dh25m narcotics stashed in auto parts shipment

Dubai - The operation was jointly carried out by a team from Customs Intelligence Department and Jebel Ali Customs Centre.

A team of customs officers in Dubai recently foiled an attempt to smuggle Dh25 million worth of narcotics, stashed in a shipment of used auto spare parts.
Yousef Al Hashimi, director of Jebel Ali Customs Centre Management, said the 262.6kg narcotics seized included 251.2kg of crystal meth and 6.4kg of heroin.
"The illegal drugs were concealed in a pile of used vehicle spare parts, which prompted Dubai Customs to name the operation 'Gear Box'," he said.
The operation was jointly carried out by a team from Customs Intelligence Department and Jebel Ali Customs Centre.
"The smugglers thought they could trick inspection officers of Dubai Customs and evade the smart and sophisticated detection systems and procedures," Al Hashimi said.
Shuaib Al Suwaidi, director of Customs Intelligence Department, said the Smart Risk Engine - developed in-house by Dubai Customs using the latest AI applications - recognises suspicious shipments coming into the country and creates a profile for different expected risks.
"The risk engine classified the spare parts shipment as risky," he said.
Auto parts of different types and sizes were added to the shipment and the drugs were carefully hidden inside these items.
"But this wasn't a challenge for the vigilant inspectors who, with the help of K9 Unit dogs, managed to uncover the drugs," Al Suwaidi said.
"We enhanced the security across our entry points, using the most advanced systems, to protect our society."
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com