Dubai Customs officers have exposed a plot to smuggle 235kg of hashish into the emirate on a dhow - by using a cutting-edge device able to spot illicit goods hidden under the cover of darkness.
The team deployed a version of an endoscope - an instrument with image sensors and lights more commonly used in medical procedures - to uncover the haul stashed in the wooden boat's cockpit on arrival at Deira Port.
The successful operation was one of 1,273 drug seizures at ports across the emirate carried out by the custom teams over the past year.
Drugs kept off the streets included tramadol tablets, Captagon, opium, heroin, cannabis seeds, marijuana and a variety of other narcotics.
"One of the dhows landed at Deira Port, was subject to intensive inspection process in which the ‘endoscope’ technology used to inspect confined spaces and has potential to provide a high-quality image in the darkness in order to detect prohibited items," Dubai Customs said on Sunday.
Dubai Customs said advances in technology and a focus on training were key to winning the fight against drugs.
Adel Al Suwaidi, director of the technical support department at the authority, said sophisticated early warning systems were in place to stay one step ahead of criminals.
“The early warning technology helps to spot suspicious shipments," he said.
"These shipments then will go through various inspection methods such as manual inspection, X-ray scanning or K9."
The Jebel Ali and Tecom Customs Centre has been equipped with advanced technology to inspect heavy and light vehicles and yachts through X-ray scanning.
Dubai Customs highlighted how improved surveillance techniques are also proving crucial to combating crime gangs.
The authority told of the Siyaj smart security system, used to monitor ports in Dubai.
It features rapid intervention teams that work round the clock and incorporate the elite K9 dog unit and drones to track potential smuggling attempts.
T20 World Cup Qualifier A, Muscat
Friday, February 18: 10am - Oman v Nepal, Canada v Philippines; 2pm - Ireland v UAE, Germany v Bahrain
Saturday, February 19: 10am - Oman v Canada, Nepal v Philippines; 2pm - UAE v Germany, Ireland v Bahrain
Monday, February 21: 10am - Ireland v Germany, UAE v Bahrain; 2pm - Nepal v Canada, Oman v Philippines
Tuesday, February 22: 2pm – semi-finals
Thursday, February 24: 2pm – final
UAE squad: Ahmed Raza (captain), Muhammad Waseem, Chirag Suri, Vriitya Aravind, Rohan Mustafa, Kashif Daud, Zahoor Khan, Alishan Sharafu, Raja Akifullah, Karthik Meiyappan, Junaid Siddique, Basil Hameed, Zafar Farid, Mohammed Boota, Mohammed Usman, Rahul Bhatia
All matches to be streamed live on icc.tv
The five pillars of Islam
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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FFP EXPLAINED
What is Financial Fair Play?
Introduced in 2011 by Uefa, European football’s governing body, it demands that clubs live within their means. Chiefly, spend within their income and not make substantial losses.
What the rules dictate?
The second phase of its implementation limits losses to €30 million (Dh136m) over three seasons. Extra expenditure is permitted for investment in sustainable areas (youth academies, stadium development, etc). Money provided by owners is not viewed as income. Revenue from “related parties” to those owners is assessed by Uefa's “financial control body” to be sure it is a fair value, or in line with market prices.
What are the penalties?
There are a number of punishments, including fines, a loss of prize money or having to reduce squad size for European competition – as happened to PSG in 2014. There is even the threat of a competition ban, which could in theory lead to PSG’s suspension from the Uefa Champions League.
The years Ramadan fell in May
Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
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FFP EXPLAINED
What is Financial Fair Play?
Introduced in 2011 by Uefa, European football’s governing body, it demands that clubs live within their means. Chiefly, spend within their income and not make substantial losses.
What the rules dictate?
The second phase of its implementation limits losses to €30 million (Dh136m) over three seasons. Extra expenditure is permitted for investment in sustainable areas (youth academies, stadium development, etc). Money provided by owners is not viewed as income. Revenue from “related parties” to those owners is assessed by Uefa's “financial control body” to be sure it is a fair value, or in line with market prices.
What are the penalties?
There are a number of punishments, including fines, a loss of prize money or having to reduce squad size for European competition – as happened to PSG in 2014. There is even the threat of a competition ban, which could in theory lead to PSG’s suspension from the Uefa Champions League.
MEFCC information
Tickets range from Dh110 for an advance single-day pass to Dh300 for a weekend pass at the door. VIP tickets have sold out. Visit www.mefcc.com to purchase tickets in advance.
