The General Administration of Ports at the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security successfully thwarted a drug smuggling attempt at Zayed International Airport. During this operation, customs officials seized 89 capsules containing approximately 1,198 grams of cocaine, valued at around 5 million dirhams, hidden within the body of one traveler.
This interception occurred when the customs inspection team at the airport grew suspicious of a passenger arriving from a South American country. The individual underwent examination with advanced scanning equipment, which indicated the presence of foreign objects in their body, leading to their referral to the relevant authorities for further investigation. The extraction of the 89 capsules was conducted shortly thereafter.
The authority commended the customs inspectors for carrying out their duties with exceptional efficiency and reiterated its commitment to enhancing the inspection system. This effort aims to safeguard the community from the dangers posed by narcotics and serves as a deterrent to those contemplating endangering state security, aligned with national efforts to ensure public safety and security.
The authority elaborated that customs inspection teams are consistently updated on the latest trafficking methods employed by smugglers. This is achieved through ongoing surveillance of trafficking routes and information sharing with both domestic and international entities. Additionally, the deployment of advanced technologies, including radiation detection devices for identifying drugs within the body, plays a crucial role in their operations.
Furthermore, the authority emphasized its dedication to an annual training plan for its operational teams, equipping them with necessary skills, knowledge, and capabilities to effectively intercept any smuggling attempts, thus reinforcing customs deterrence and protecting the community from the associated risks and negative impacts.