UAE foils bid to smuggle 16.2kg of crystal meth hidden in vehicle tyre

Dubai's UAE Customs authorities successfully prevented an attempt to smuggle 16.2 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine concealed within the tyre of a vehicle entering the country via a land border crossing. Inspectors from the General Directorate of Ports Security at the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) noticed unusual indicators during screening of the vehicle, prompting a detailed manual inspection.

The drugs were found expertly hidden in one of the vehicle's tyres. This seizure was carried out in collaboration with specialized customs support and security teams dedicated to narcotics detection. The interception demonstrates the effectiveness of advanced technology combined with the inspectors' expertise in identifying prohibited substances and countering sophisticated smuggling techniques at the UAE's border points.

This latest seizure follows a series of drug interdictions, with the General Directorate of Ports Security recording 765 drug seizures since the beginning of 2026, involving approximately 390 kilograms of narcotics and 50,000 illicit pills. The authority commended the inspectors for their vigilance and emphasized ongoing efforts to enhance inspection systems and leverage advanced technology to bolster detection capabilities at the country's border crossings.

These measures form part of broader national initiatives aimed at safeguarding the community from illegal drugs and preserving the UAE's security.