Dubai Customs Empowers Japanese Authorities in Intercepting $310 million Methamphetamine Shipment

Dubai Customs’ intelligence-led approach reinforces global fight against drug trafficking, safeguarding communities from narcotics' menace

Dubai – 02 July 2023: In its ongoing commitment to combat transnational organized crime, Dubai Customs assisted Japanese customs authorities in intercepting a significant quantity of illicit drugs. Up to 700 kilograms of "methamphetamine" powder, valued at approximately $310 million, were concealed within a cargo ship originating from an Asian country and bound for Japan. The successful operation led to the apprehension of both the cargo ship and the illicit substances at Tokyo port. This seizure stands as the second-largest drug confiscation ever made in Japan.

This successful joint effort is part of Dubai Customs' ongoing support to combat drug trafficking globally. Their commitment to confronting customs risks and curbing smuggling has earned international acclaim. It safeguards communities and youth from the detrimental effects of illicit substances.
HE Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, the Director General of Dubai Customs and the CEO of the Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation, emphasized the strategic relationships and strong collaboration that Dubai Customs maintains with customs authorities worldwide. He highlighted the primary objective of these partnerships, which is to enhance cooperation across various customs sectors, facilitating increased trade volume and addressing security concerns by effectively combatting cross-border crimes. 
Musabih underscored Dubai Customs' significant global role in this domain and highlighted their proactive assistance to numerous countries in intercepting substantial quantities of illicit drugs. This noteworthy contribution not only reinforces Dubai's global reputation in safeguarding communities from such a grave threat but also strengthens its position on the global competitiveness indexes.

Dr. Khaled Al Mansouri, the Director of Customs Intelligence Department at Dubai Customs, expressed his delight at the effective intervention by Japanese customs authorities in foiling a drug smuggling operation at Tokyo Port, thanks to the information provided by Dubai Customs. He emphasized that Dubai Customs remains dedicated to intelligence-driven efforts in combating drug trafficking, with the ultimate goal of fostering a society free from the scourge of narcotics. These endeavors further strengthen the collaborative ties between Dubai and various global customs agencies, enabling them to confront organized crime and the illicit trade of banned substances, while underscoring Dubai's influential leadership and its distinguished international model.