Customs inspectors at Dubai International Airport Free Zone Inspection Centre successfully foiled an attempt to smuggle 32000 opioid pills of the internationally prohibited medicine of Tramadol type. The contraband was caught hidden inside a parcel coming from an Asian country. Mr. Omar Al Muhairi, senior manager of air cargo operations, said that inspectors suspected the contents of a parcel while analyzing the accompanying documents. The consignment was seized after x-ray checks raised suspicions. During manual checking, Tramadol pills were uncovered in huge quantities in forms of medical tablets. Accordingly, the contrabands were transferred to the Ministry of Health as it is the competent authority to identify it. "The Ministry report confirmed the opioid medical usage is of the type that internationally prohibited to apply without a medical prescription and enlisted under category (A) of the controlled items. The contraband was confiscated and the case was referred to Dubai Police Anti-Narcotic Department” said Al Muhairi.
Al Muhairi stated that the medicine is listed under internationally prohibited drugs and a directive was issued in the UAE against its intake or sale without a medical prescription, explaining that the smuggled goods had no import license and the conditions of importation and clearance which supposed to meet do not apply on its owner.
AL-Muhairi stressed that Tramadol, normally used as a painkiller, if taken in large quantities might mirror effects of narcotics for addicts. "It has different brand names such as Tramal, Amadol, Tramax, Contramal, and Tramundin."
Al Muhairi warned against misuse of the Tramadol because of its complications and serious side effects. "The painkiller contains opium used to cure severe pains including post-surgery patients, during deliveries and C-Sections and in cancer-related pains. If misused, Tramadol causes addiction such as the case with morphine," he said, warning overdoses had led to several deaths.
Mr AlMuhairi said that the challengeable responsibilities on Dubai Customs are heavier, explaining that the network smugglers attempt to use Dubai international trade websites to promote their illegal activities, emphasizing that Dubai Customs as the first line defender for the protection of the community will always stand stronger against such challenges. On the basis of this role, Dubai Customs works hard to develop inspection skills of its inspectors, qualifying and training them on using most advanced technologies to support their efficiencies in thwarting any attempts of smuggling prohibited, restricted and fake goods.