Abu dhabi: As the world marks June 26, the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Dubai stands out not merely as a participant in the global conversation, but as a model for how it should be won. Drugs are no longer just a security threat. They are an economic burden, a public health crisis, and a social epidemic that crosses borders, targets youth, tears families apart, and feeds organised crime networks.
According to Emirates News Agency, Dubai Customs has made confronting this threat a strategic priority, not as a reactive measure, but as a proactive, intelligence-driven mission built on artificial intelligence, cutting-edge technology, human expertise, and robust local and international partnerships. Its role has evolved well beyond seizing contraband at entry points; it now operates as a fully integrated system for risk monitoring, data analysis, criminal network tracking, and cross-border smuggling interdiction, strengthening national security and contributing to global stability.
Abdulla bin Damaithan, Chairman of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, affirmed that Dubai Customs' achievements in combating drug smuggling embody the vision of the wise leadership. He noted that Dubai has firmly established itself as a city of security and stability, requiring continuous development of the customs system, investment in national competencies, and the deployment of the latest smart technologies to protect border entry points and counter cross-border threats.
He added that the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation continues to strengthen integration across all relevant entities and develop advanced regulatory capabilities that protect the community, safeguard the national economy, and ensure the integrity of supply chains. This reinforces the confidence of investors and trade partners from around the world.
Dubai Customs plays a pivotal role in protecting the country's borders from smuggling attempts through a proactive system built on risk analysis, innovation, and collaboration with local and international partners. Its success in foiling drug smuggling reflects the efficiency of its security apparatus and consolidates Dubai's position as a global hub for safe trade and a leading model in protecting people and the economy.
The first five months of 2026 paint a vivid picture of relentless vigilance. Dubai Customs inspection and targeting teams executed 502 seizures, intercepting 406 kilogrammes of narcotic and psychotropic substances and stopping more than 2.3 million narcotic tablets from ever reaching the market. The breakdown by month reveals a customs apparatus that never sleeps.
Dr. Abdulla Busenad, Director-General of Dubai Customs, said, "Every drug shipment intercepted before entering the country is not merely a security achievement - it means protecting thousands of families from collapse, saving young people from addiction, and preserving the nation's economic foundations." He reaffirmed Dubai Customs' commitment to innovation, technology, and human capital, stating that community protection begins at the border.
On this International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Dubai Customs renews its commitment to operating at the highest global standards. Mohammed Al Ghaffari, Executive Director of the Customs Inspection Division at Dubai Customs, emphasised strengthening the security system at customs entry points as a strategic priority. He outlined Dubai Customs' integrated approach - combining qualified human resources, advanced smart inspection systems, and data analytics - to raise inspection efficiency and prevent prohibited substances from entering the community.
Two operations from 2025 stand as proof of that precision. In Operation Black Tank, Dubai Customs foiled a sophisticated smuggling attempt involving 147.4 kilogrammes of narcotics arriving from an Asian country via sea freight. In Operation Ampoules, teams intercepted 102 kilogrammes of Nalbuphine arriving from an Asian country via air cargo.
Behind every successful seizure is an advanced risk analysis engine powered by artificial intelligence and big data analytics. The Siyaj system is one of Dubai Customs' most sophisticated smart security initiatives, deploying an integrated architecture that combines AI, advanced detection devices, eco-friendly electric vehicles, and round-the-clock human teams. The Shahin project reflects Dubai Customs' vision of harnessing smart solutions to elevate customs operations, supporting inspection processes and managing shipment flows with greater efficiency.