UAE teens warned of dangers of swords and weapons

The campaign complements efforts by Customs officers to stop weapons being smuggled into the UAE. About 936 weapons were seized last year at Dubai Airport and another 1,960 found in shipments at Jebel Ali and Tecom Customs Centres.

Dubai Customs launched an awareness campaign on the misuse of cold weapons at Al Warqa’a Fourth on February 26, 2014. The 3-day campaign is in line with its efforts to reduce the number of crimes in which cold weapons are used. Courtesy Dubai Customs

DUBAI // Customs officers are teaching youths about the dangers of swords and other bladed weapons.

A three-day campaign began on Wednesday in Al Warqa, a known gathering place for youths, to try to reduce the number of crimes and deaths where bladed weapons are used.

Dubai Customs is aiming to be the first line of defence for the community, said Khalil Saqer, its director of corporate communications.

The campaign complements efforts by Customs officers to stop weapons being smuggled into the UAE.

“The activities include arranging trips for private and public school students to the campaign site and briefing them on our goals,” Mr Saqer said.

“They will also be warned that these weapons are prohibited from being carried around in public locations, such as airports, courts, schools and on city streets.”

About 936 weapons were seized last year at Dubai Airport by Customs.

Another 1,960 items were seized in shipments at Jebel Ali Port and Tecom Customs Centre. They comprised 1,520 knives, 30 swords, 110 holsters, 200 range boxes and 100 gun-cleaning tools.

The weapons had been declared as sporting goods by the importing company, Dubai Customs said in September.

Advanced inspection techniques and high-range scanners are used by Customs officers to identify what type of goods are being shipped.

Customs authorities have appealed to the public to cooperate with local and federal agencies in the fight against smuggling.