Gut scanners to detect smugglers
RAK installed the system to foil passengers who carry drugs in their stomachs
The anti-narcotics department has a zero tolerance policy against those involved in drug smuggling, trafficking, or consuming.” Col Adnan Ali Al Zaabi, Director of Anti-Narcotics dept, RAK police
— In a bid to develop its capabilities to combat narcotics and contraband smuggling into the country, the Ras Al Khaimah Customs, has introduced an all new system for scanning the guts of suspected passengers.
The new sophisticated device, already in operation is priced at over Dh1.6 million, according to Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al Mehrizi, director general of RAK Customs.
“The new scanning system, installed at the RAK International Airport and the Darah land crossing border, will give a boost to the performance of customs work, and enhance safety, security and stability of the emirate.”
The sophisticated scanner is an added value to the customs inspection system in the emirate, he underlined. “It helps save time, effort and money, and efficiently curbs smuggling attempts.”
The RAK Customs had earlier armed all ports and crossing borders of the emirate with a set of the latest X-ray scanning equipment to help in their battle against the illegal import of contraband goods.
Late last year, the RAK Customs, in collaboration with the RAK Police, foiled an attempt to smuggle 198 capsules of heroin, worth Dh1 million, at the RAK International Airport.
In one instance, drugs were extracted from the guts of an Asian passenger who had arrived in country, according to Col Adnan Ali Al Zaabi, Director of the Anti-Narcotics department of the RAK police.
“The RAK police are all set to attend to any report on drug dealers, smugglers or abusers round the clock on toll (999),” he said. “The anti-narcotics department has a zero tolerance policy against those involved in drug smuggling, trafficking, or consuming.”
Dr. Mehrizi said the use of enforcement equipment such as mobile X-ray scanners and other detection technologies is just one element of a multi-faceted strategy employed by the RAK Customs to tackle smuggling.
“The RAK Customs continually monitors ongoing developments in the market place in available X-ray and other technologies, and also continuously review their requirements and capability together with their selection and deployment of detection equipment.”