UAE foils 14 bids to smuggle 300kg of narcotics in under 2 months

Authorities in the UAE have foiled 14 attempts to smuggle 300 kg of narcotics through the country's airports in less than two months.

It followed a joint operation by the National Anti-Narcotics Agency and the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, and Customs and Port Security.

According to a joint report by the National Anti-Narcotics Agency and UAE Customs, officials were able to analyse flight routes, even before the smugglers entered the country, based on crucial intel.

This helped specialist teams identify the consignments using data analytics and to focus on inspection resources on the highest-risk targets.

At the airports, officers used smart tech to uncover "substances concealed inside bags and consignments", often without the need for manual checks.

A number of suspects were apprehended in the operation, authorities added.