Customs officials in the UAE recently intercepted 16.2kg of crystal methamphetamine hidden inside a vehicle tyre at a land border crossing. The operation was led by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), which utilized advanced scanning technology to flag the suspicious vehicle. A follow-up manual search, bolstered by the specialized K9 unit from the Customs and Security Support Department, confirmed that the narcotics had been professionally concealed within the rubber, leading to the successful seizure of the contraband.

This high-profile interception highlights the effectiveness of the UAE’s robust border security protocols and the keen expertise of its inspection teams. According to official reports, the ports security directorate has successfully recorded 765 drug-related seizures since the start of 2026, totaling nearly 390kg of illicit substances and thousands of narcotic pills. Authorities remain committed to strengthening their surveillance and inter-agency cooperation, warning that under federal law, the trafficking of prohibited drugs is a severe offense that can result in life imprisonment or even the death penalty.