Dubai Customs officers have foiled a plot to smuggle 1.2 tonnes of "mind-altering" drugs through the emirate by air, authorities announced on Monday.
Teams uncovered the illicit shipment of psychoactive substances as it passed through the air cargo terminal. Officers used advanced data analysis and inspection techniques to discover and identify the drugs haul and strike a blow in the fight against organised crime networks.
It was not disclosed whether arrests have been made in connection with the incident. But "legal actions were promptly initiated in co-ordination with the relevant authorities to address the incident in accordance with prevailing laws", Dubai Media Office said.
Sultan bin Sulayem, chairman and chief executive of DP World Group Chairman and chairman of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, hailed the cutting-edge technology used by customs teams to disrupt drug trafficking plans.
Dr Abdulla Busenad, director general of Dubai Customs, said the "operation supports global efforts to combat organised smuggling networks". Dubai Customs serves as a global role model in tackling cross-border crimes, he added.
“Strengthening national security is a shared responsibility that demands close co-operation between individuals and institutions to ensure stability and prosperity," he said. "Thwarting any attempt to breach laws or threaten community safety is a crucial aspect of national efforts to guarantee a secure and sustainable environment.”
Sheer grandeur
The Owo building is 14 storeys high, seven of which are below ground, with the 30,000 square feet of amenities located subterranean, including a 16-seat private cinema, seven lounges, a gym, games room, treatment suites and bicycle storage.
A clear distinction between the residences and the Raffles hotel with the amenities operated separately.
2025 Fifa Club World Cup groups
Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.
Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle.
Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica.
Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, (Leon banned).
Group E: River Plate, Urawa, Monterrey, Inter Milan.
Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus.
Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg.
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
