The Dubai Customs Director General emphasized on the need to maintain a strategic and stronger exchange of information to help reduce smuggling of contraband, especially drugs and weapons, to different countries around the globe, which poses as a major threat to global security and the economy. Butti participated in a special panel discussion that was moderated by the Secretary General, International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL). Also joining were the Deputy Executive Director of Los Angeles World Airports and the CEO of Panama Canal. During the discussion, Butti revealed that Dubai Customs has adopted the latest advanced inspection technology systems and devices over the last two years. One particular example he cited was the use of a new system for the inspection and examination of mobile trucks. The system, which makes use of radiometric surveying techniques, can examine trucks without asking them to stop, avoiding manual inspection that poses risk to custom inspectors. One of the devices being used can examine and inspect 150 trucks per hour.
The Director General also reaffirmed the commitment of Dubai Customs to attract and develop the best human resources, further pointing out that members of their inspection teams will be entitled to various theoretical and practical training courses all year round. Butti shared that this is an important initiative that aims to upgrade the skills and abilities of their inspectors, thereby protecting the local community from the entry of narcotics and prohibited substances while also not allowing them to pass on to other countries through air, sea or land. According to him, the courses offered by Dubai Customs includes training in security and safety; sense of security development; methods of inspection; smuggling routes and methods; and body language, among others. He also stressed on the significance of these inspection teams, which protects and secures the UAE from prohibited substances and counterfeit goods that are promoted by illicit networks, especially as Dubai deals with thousands of travelers, large quantities of goods and materials for re-export purposes or for local use, on a daily basis.
Dubai Customs, as pointed out by Butti, is constantly striving to strengthen international and regional cooperation; promoting the bilateral collaborations between concerned authorities from around the world. Aside from making the call for reinforcing the exchange of information, Butti also pointed out that a lot can be learned from successful experiences and best practices made in order to curb these illicit networks. The Director General urged the international entities to look beyond terrorism, money laundering and drug trafficking and be more aware of the expanded scope that illicit networks cover. He added that authorities from around the world should promote mutual cooperation across all levels and focus on developing and implementing more international laws with severe penalties.
Asked about the main factors that drive allow these illicit networks to thrive, Butti replied, “Poverty is the main reason that drives these illicit networks, which exploits the need for money and pushes certain individuals to transfer and pass illegal contraband to different countries around the world.
Furthermore, there are many reasons that enable the illicit networks to achieve their objectives, like the critical weakness of inspection devices, equipments and technologies; the lack of experienced inspectors in some ports as well as the inability to deliver the required information on time to the customs and security authorities, which are responsible for the protection of our ports and borders."
The Director General also spoke of the importance of strengthening security measures in the facilitation of the movement of people and goods across borders without disrupting the large number of travelers passing through Dubai. "This should be done without informing the users of the ports, except in suspicious cases that should be examined. The latest technologies and high skills of Dubai Customs inspectors help a critical role in achieving this end," said Butti.
According to the Dubai Customs top official, the UAE is committed towards ensuring free movement of passengers and the easy transfer of goods, giving the assurance that the country does not want to tighten restrictions on people and goods movement as the UAE continues to remain open to the world and maintains strong friendly ties with countries from all over the globe.
"The UAE is currently home to more than 200 nationalities, which puts our customs officers and security personnel in front of a big challenge on a daily basis. This is why Dubai Customs remains fully committed in adopting the latest advanced inspection technology systems and hire the best qualified human resources and provide them with high-quality training courses, in addition to the tightening sanctions against smugglers of contraband goods and counterfeit products. During the last few years, Dubai Customs has intensified its efforts in facilitating the movement of legitimate trade while ensuring the highest level of social security and protecting the rights of companies. We are focused on innovating and developing 'Risk Engines' as part of the Electronic Customs Clearance System, which is a unique risk analysis system that enables customs inspectors to select and differentiate the suspicious shipments based on specific information and criteria. Furthermore, Customs Intelligence Department plays a vital role through its great efforts to facilitate in the exchange of information with our partners within the UAE and beyond, as well as provide the latest advanced inspection equipment to ensure key control of all goods and materials coming in and out of Dubai," concluded Butti.
The two-day summit is part of a series of conferences organized by the Google Ideas Foundation, which focuses on the discussion of the effects and impacts made by illicit networks on countries around the world. The series is held as round table discussions participated by high profile speakers from various international circles. Director General Butti’s participation marks the first time that an official from the UAE in joining a Google Ideas conference. The foundation, which was formed in 2010, is dedicated to understanding global challenges and applying technological solutions.