Dubai Customs Thwarts Narcotics Smuggling Attempt in Ground-breaking ‘Wheelhouse’ Operation

In a significant operation named ‘Wheelhouse,’ Dubai Customs successfully intercepted the smuggling of 234.68 kilograms of narcotics, specifically hashish. The operation took place at the Dubai Creek and Deira Wharfage Customs Center, where a wooden ship raised suspicion upon arrival at the harbor.

Dubai Customs’ task force, known as “Siyaj,” led the operation and conducted a meticulous inspection of the vessel using advanced Periscope technology designed for examining confined spaces. This state-of-the-art device provides high-resolution images in darkness, facilitating the detection of contraband. The illicit substances were discovered cleverly concealed within the ship’s wheelhouse.

Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman and CEO of DP World Group, and Chairman of Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation, affirmed Dubai’s global leadership in combating drug-related risks and health hazards. He highlighted the crucial role played by Dubai Customs in national security efforts, safeguarding the community from major threats such as drug smuggling. Bin Sulayem emphasized the strategic vision outlined in Dubai Customs’ 2021–2026 plan, aiming to lead secured customs globally and focusing on continuous development in human resources and inspection standards.

Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director General of Dubai Customs and CEO of Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation, emphasized the priority of protecting society from hazardous and smuggled substances while facilitating legitimate trade activities. Musabih commended Customs officers for their exceptional abilities in drug detection and body language analysis, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global hub for safe legitimate trade.

The ‘Siyaj’ task force initiative is an intelligent and comprehensive security system deployed to monitor Dubai’s customs checkpoints. Leveraging modern technologies such as artificial intelligence, periscope technology, drones, canines, and environmentally friendly electric vehicles, this initiative aims to proactively detect and prevent the infiltration of prohibited and dangerous materials, ensuring the protection of Dubai’s borders and enabling safer global supply chains by reinforcing Dubai’s position in international trade.

Rashed Alsuwaidi, Acting Director of Maritime Customs Centers, acknowledged the evolving methods of smuggling and the high vigilance of Dubai Customs officers in countering these techniques. He highlighted the department’s continuous efforts to enhance inspection capabilities, citing the introduction of unique devices such as the rapid container inspection device and the world’s first X-ray scanning device for heavy and light vehicles, significantly reducing inspection time and supporting the seamless flow of legitimate trade through Dubai’s ports.

source:

https://www.godubai.com/citylife/press_release_page.asp?pr=176715&Trial=true