Dubai Customs continues its efforts to combat narcotics as one of its strategic priorities, driven by its national responsibility to protect society, secure border entry points, and preserve the emirate's status as a global hub for legitimate trade and safe investment. This is achieved through an advanced security vision that combines artificial intelligence, modern technologies, human expertise, and local and international partnerships.
The role of Dubai Customs is no longer limited to seizing narcotics at entry points; it has evolved into a comprehensive proactive system for risk monitoring, data analysis, tracking criminal networks, and thwarting cross-border smuggling operations — thereby strengthening national security and contributing to the preservation of global stability.
His Excellency Abdullah bin Damithan, Chairman of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, affirmed in this regard that what Dubai Customs has achieved in combating drug smuggling embodies the vision of the wise leadership, which has made Dubai a global model in security and a leading destination for legitimate trade and safe investment, through an integrated system that balances societal protection with the promotion of smooth trade flows.
He explained that Dubai has cemented its standing as a city of security and stability, and that preserving this status requires 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 various cross-border threats, in line with the emirate's aspirations for a safer and more sustainable future.
He noted that the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation continues to work on strengthening integration among various entities and developing advanced monitoring capabilities that contribute to protecting society, safeguarding the national economy, and ensuring the safety of supply chains — thereby reinforcing the confidence of investors and trade partners from around the world.
His Excellency added that Dubai Customs plays a pivotal role in protecting the country's borders from smuggling attempts through a proactive system that relies on risk analysis, innovation, and cooperation with local and international partners. He stressed that its success in foiling drug smuggling attempts reflects the efficiency of its security system and enhances Dubai's standing as a global hub for safe trade and a leading model in protecting people and the economy, stemming from a firm belief that security is the fundamental pillar of development and prosperity.
The results of the first 5 months of 2026 reflect the scale of efforts exerted by Dubai Customs in combating narcotics. Customs inspection and targeting teams successfully carried out 502 seizures, resulting in the confiscation of 406 kilograms of narcotic substances and the interception of 2.3 million narcotic tablets before they could reach the markets.
In January alone, customs teams executed 107 seizures, confiscating 116.3 kilograms of narcotic substances and more than 1.2 million narcotic tablets. February saw 89 seizures, with 79.2 kilograms and 213,000 tablets seized. March recorded 57 seizures resulting in the confiscation of 30.3 kilograms and 727,000 tablets. In April, the number of seizures rose to 115, with 109.3 kilograms and 61,900 tablets seized, while May recorded 74 seizures and the confiscation of 71 kilograms and more than 115,000 tablets.
These results reflect the efficiency of the customs system in confronting evolving challenges and novel smuggling methods, and the continuation of round-the-clock operations to protect society and the economy.
The total number of narcotic and psychotropic substance seizures throughout 2025 reached approximately 1,185 seizures, confirming the continuity of monitoring efforts and the ongoing development of the security system.
His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Busnnad, Director General of Dubai Customs, affirmed that every drug shipment intercepted before entering the country represents not merely a security achievement, but the protection of thousands of families from disintegration, the rescue of young people from falling into addiction, and the preservation of economic resources. From this standpoint, Dubai Customs continues to invest in innovation, technology, and human resources, develop its security systems, and strengthen its partnerships with various entities, in the conviction that protecting society begins with protecting entry points and that security is the foundation upon which sustainable development and economic prosperity rest.
On the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Dubai Customs renews its commitment to continuing its work in accordance with the highest international standards, to cement Dubai's standing as an international model in protecting people, safeguarding the economy, securing legitimate trade, and enhancing security and stability at both the national and global levels.
He said: