Dubai, UAE – Dubai Customs, in coordination with Dubai Police’s General Department of Anti-Narcotics, foiled an attempt to smuggle and distribute 278,850 pills of Pregabalin, a controlled substance weighing roughly 200 kilograms. The joint operation highlighted the strength of institutional integration between the two agencies. Dubai Customs served as the emirate’s first line of defense. Meanwhile, Dubai Police completed the investigative and field work. This reinforced Dubai’s standing as a global model in border security and community protection.
How Did Dubai Customs and Dubai Police Seize 278,850 Pregabalin Pills?
The case began when Dubai Customs’ shipment data analysis systems, supported by its smart risk engine, advanced targeting technologies, and customs intelligence capabilities, flagged a suspicious shipment arriving from an Asian country. Acting on these indicators, the Siyaj customs team conducted a thorough inspection and seized 150,600 Pregabalin pills. Further, coordination with Dubai Police’s General Department of Anti-Narcotics then led to the arrest of a four-member criminal gang within the country. The gang was found in possession of an additional 128,250 pills of the same substance. This brought the total seizure to 278,850 pills.
Brigadier Khalid bin Muwaiza, Director of the General Department of Anti-Narcotics, said the success stemmed from continuous coordination and full integration with Dubai Customs. This allowed the security operation to be completed after the customs seizure. As a result, authorities tracked and arrested the gang and recovered the additional pills. He added that information-sharing and rapid coordination between agencies enable preemptive action against smuggling networks. They also help protect the community from narcotics-related threats. Additionally, he affirmed that the department will keep developing its intelligence and investigative capabilities with its strategic partners.
Yasser Al Musallami, Principal Customs Affairs Consultant at Dubai Customs, said the continued success in foiling smuggling attempts reflects the high readiness of Dubai Customs in protecting border outlets. This readiness is supported by qualified national talent, smart technologies, and proactive risk-based targeting. He noted that the Siyaj system, developed by Dubai Customs, marks a qualitative leap in smart targeting. This is achieved by linking security indicators and advanced technologies to improve detection of high-risk shipments. It also boosts the efficiency of inspection and seizure operations. He stressed that countering new smuggling methods requires continuous investment in inspection technology and inspector training. Moreover, cooperation with strategic partners is key, particularly Dubai Police. Finally, he noted that this integration spans from early targeting at border outlets. It continues through to intelligence and investigative follow-up.
How Is Dubai Customs Using AI to Protect Society?
Rashed bin Harb Al Shamsi, Director of the Customs Intelligence Department at Dubai Customs, said the achievement reflects the continuous evolution of Dubai Customs’ operations. These operations rely on artificial intelligence, data analytics, and smart risk engines. They also use advanced intelligence capabilities for early targeting of high-risk shipments. He added that protecting the community begins with proactive, risk-based programs rather than inspection alone. This positions Dubai Customs among the world’s leading border protection authorities. Nevertheless, it still facilitates legitimate trade.
The case underscores Dubai’s integrated security model, in which Dubai Customs handles early targeting and border protection as the first line of defense. Meanwhile, Dubai Police pursues field and investigative work to track down and apprehend criminal networks. All of this reinforces Dubai’s position as one of the world’s safest cities and a global hub for trade and logistics.
