Dubai Customs has provided intelligence that led to the seizure of approximately 1.332 tonnes of Tapentadol tablets destined for an African country.
The shipment originated in Asia and was transported by air cargo before being intercepted by authorities in the destination country following information shared by Dubai Customs. Legal proceedings have since been initiated against those involved.
According to Dubai Customs, the operation was supported by its intelligence and special operations teams, which analyse commercial, operational and logistics data to identify suspicious cargo movements and potential smuggling activity.
The authority said its intelligence capabilities are reinforced by advanced inspection technologies, including radiographic scanning equipment, AI-powered image analysis systems and risk assessment tools designed to improve targeting accuracy while maintaining cargo flow efficiency.
His Excellency Dr Abdulla Busenad, Director General of Dubai Customs, said: “This achievement reflects the position Dubai has reached as a trusted partner in the global security architecture, and confirms that investment in advanced technology, human capabilities, and international partnerships has become a decisive factor in anticipating risks and confronting cross-border criminal networks.
“At Dubai Customs, we believe that protecting communities is a shared responsibility that transcends geographic borders, and we continue to develop our intelligence and technological capabilities to support international efforts to combat drugs and safeguard the future of generations.”
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Dubai Customs works with organisations including Interpol, the World Customs Organization (WCO) and Regional Intelligence Liaison Offices (RILOs), alongside bilateral and multilateral customs cooperation networks.
Mohammed Al Ghaffari, Executive Director of the Customs Inspection Division at Dubai Customs, said inspection teams are supported by advanced technologies and undergo continuous specialist training to identify evolving smuggling methods and emerging narcotics.
Meanwhile, Yasser Al Musallami, Principal Advisor for Customs Affairs at Dubai Customs, highlighted the role of the authority’s smart risk engine, which analyses large volumes of data in real time to identify high-risk shipments and potential security threats.
For more information:
Dubai Customs – https://www.dubaicustoms.gov.ae/en/Pages/default.aspx
