DUBAI: The Jebel Ali Customs Center, the modern facility and one of the major customs centers in Dubai recorded 348 seizures of restricted, fake and prohibited materials in 2016. These show a 24 per cent increase as compared to those seizure made in 2015 which witnessed 281 seizures, according to a senior official. Yousuf Al Hashemi, Director of Jebel Ali customs center, said the seizures contained more than 700,000 tramadol narcotic pills and large quantities of Naswar tobacco derivatives. “Silica powder, smuggled cigarettes, fake goods, and endangered sandal wood were also included in the seizures in coordination with local and global security authorities.” He added that the center, which includes a client center and seven inspection units, also inspected 237,716 containers and carried out 605,000 customs transactions last year.
“The performance of the customs staffers’ has significantly improved due to the intensive training received on a regular basis and the latest technologies and devices used.” Official figures show that around 729,000 customs transactions were processed in the first quarter of 2017 using the latest systems including Mirsal-2 system. “This innovative system enables clients to fulfill their requirements and fill out their applications online without the need of physical attendance.”
Al Hashemi said they have a number of plans for the future which will help develop Jebel Ali Operations room including a radioactive vehicle and container scanning unit. “The inclusion of sophisticated inspection tools has raised commitment and performance levels in Jebel Ali from 42 per cent in 2010 to 91.7 per cent in 2013. In 2016, client satisfaction went up to 87 per cent, and employee satisfaction reached 88 per cent.” Naser Al Jumairi, Director of Jebel Ali and TECOM Customs Centre explained that a Dubai Customs unit was opened at gate 11. “These are meant for more client’s convenience and satisfaction.” Ahmed Al Jamri, Director of Jebel Ali Inspection Center said the center has five advanced container scanning devices. “It also has five cargo scanning devices.”
