DUBAI // Dubai Customs has made one of its largest recent seizures with the recovery of three million illegal tramadol pills, valued at Dh60 million.
The drugs were detected by inspectors at Dubai Cargo Village Customs Centre, using its Risk Engine system.
“The Risk Engine is a smart system which is fed with up-to-date data from various resources, enabling it to identify suspected shipments with a high level of accuracy,” said Ahmed Musabih, director of Dubai Customs.
The drugs were packed in 60 parcels and sent from Asia by air.
“Cracking down on smugglers and safeguarding the community are major responsibilities on our shoulders,” said Mr Musabih.
“Two years ago, we launched a huge awareness campaign about the side effects of tramadol. The drive had a positive impact on the public, particularly youngsters, as they are the most targeted by drug dealers.”
The customs declaration form stated the parcels contained medical products and lab equipment.
But Hamid Rasheed, director of Air Customs Centres Management, said they did not contain any medical products or equipment.
“Though tramadol is an effective opiate medication and can be used only if prescribed by a doctor, it has dangerous side effects on human health and sanity,” said Abdullah Al Khaja, executive director of customer management at Dubai Customs.
Tramadol is a controlled substance in many countries, and in the UAE it is listed as a narcotic.
A permit from the Ministry of Health is mandatory before importing it.
newsdesk@thenational.ae
