ABU DHABI, 26th June, 2023 (WAM) — Marking the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the General Administration of Abu Dhabi Customs revealed that it has recorded 4,663 drug seizures in all customs ports of the Emirate since the beginning of 2019 until the end of May of the current year. The estimated value of these seizures totalled more than AED170 million, including 1.7 million grammes of narcotics and prohibited substances, of which approximately 1.5 million grammes were heroin, in addition to 519,000 narcotic pills, including nearly 175,000 Captagon pills. Rashed Lahej Al Mansoori, Director-General of the General Administration of Abu Dhabi Customs, stated that Abu Dhabi Customs prioritises the protection of society from the dangers and risks of drugs by fulfilling its vital role as the first line of defence for the security and safety of the community, in parallel with its efforts to facilitate legitimate trade across all ports of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi according to existing laws and regulations. He pointed out that the General Administration is intensifying its efforts by working within an integrated ecosystem in cooperation with strategic partners in inspection and examination operations for prohibited and restricted substances, as well as coordination and monitoring of wanted individuals. He added that Abu Dhabi Customs continuously seeks to develop its capabilities in inspection operations by equipping customs centres with the latest global and innovative inspection technologies and devices. The administration currently owns 54 advanced inspection devices distributed across customs ports and is working on adding 29 new devices to enhance the efficiency of border crossings and improve traffic flow. These modern devices utilise artificial intelligence and advanced technology in their operation, and are capable of detecting a wide range of substances, achieving high rates of scanning and analysis, and contributing to safe and effective border screening. He explained that Abu Dhabi Customs attaches utmost importance to developing the capabilities of customs inspectors by enrolling them in intensive, specialised training courses in security fields in coordination and cooperation with strategic partners. This aims to enhance their practical and scientific competencies in detecting smuggling attempts and professionally dealing with them, especially innovative smuggling methods and training in reading body language to uncover smugglers’ tricks. This contributes to strengthening the security system at border crossings. He noted that the General Administration organised 72 training courses, benefiting 2,264 people during 2022 until the end of May 2023.

Source: Emirates News Agency (WAM)