1,628 drug smuggling bids foiled in Dubai last year

Dubai - Dubai Customs has also recently launched the first-of-its-kind Drug Smart Encyclopedia.

As many as 1,628 drug smuggling attempts were foiled by the Dubai Customs last year as the department mounted vigilance on all borders of the emirate. In 2016, 1,347 drug seizures were made, which means 281 more smuggling bids were detected in 2017, indicated official figures unveiled on Sunday.
Dr Shaikha Al Ghafiri, director of Dubai Customs' Training Centre, attributed the achievement to the increased attention given to regular and specialised training.
"The Centre organised six training workshops in the first quarter of 2018 in an attempt to hone the skills of the inspectors in combating smuggling and illegitimate trade."
The courses targeted 100 officers who learnt about the latest methods of recognising different types of drugs and chemical precursors and latest methods of combating smuggling, she explained. 
"Dubai Customs prevents illegitimate trade and smuggling of drugs and all restricted goods as part of its strategy and values in supporting legitimate trade."
Dubai Customs recently launched the first-of-its-kind Drug Smart Encyclopedia, she said.
"It includes all types of drugs illustrated by information, images and videos, with examples of different types of seizures, drug prices and ways to tackle drug trafficking."
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com  

• Dubai