DUBAI // Customs inspectors can now use an amphibious vehicle to help them in their fight against smugglers.
The vehcile doubles as a mobile laboratory and is fitted with a range of equipment that allows its crew to locate potentially hazardous and prohibited substances onboard boats docked in Dubai Creek.
“The amphibious laboratory is able to detect customs violations in any vessel from a distance of around 300 metres,” said Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, director of Dubai Customs.
“It is equipped with cameras that will be used to document the inspection process and broadcast it live to the command and control room at Dubai Customs, which helps accelerate appropriate actions toward offenders and smugglers.”
The vehicle will be operated by Customs teams that patrol around the wooden ships docked in the Creek. It uses 10 different types of inspection technology to remotely check for objects that may be a potential risk.
Onboard sensors will allow it to scan the perimeter and inside of a suspect vessel, which are often difficult to access. The vehcile is able to detect and analyze any type of goods as well as scan vessels for people who potentially violate residency laws.
The solar-powered vehicle, which will be deployed soon, was developed by a team from the Department of Customs Intelligence at Dubai Customs.
It is a unique project for customs work in the UAE and is also the first system of its kind anywhere in the world.
Dubai Customs officers take part in continuos education programmes to help ships crews as well as provide guidebooks of customs rules, procedures and safety standards, said Mr Musabih, adding Dubai Customs was determined to do all it could to prevent prohibited materials from entering the emirate while also removing obstacles to trade.
nhanif@thenational.ae