DUBAI: Dubai Custom caught the smugglers without using any detectors and scanners but through their body language at Dubai Airport.
Custom Officer said when he picks up his bag, he tries to take a good look at the checkpoints and his nervous behavior will trigger more interest among the officers, who are looking for more signs.
Sometimes it’s the passenger’s nature to be nervous because of that we’re not working on just one sign, we’re working on many signs, the destinations, and further investigations that give us the bigger picture. All those signs help determine our suspicions on a passenger.
The Dubai Customs team claims they apply this knowledge to help analyse the passengers, including observing their eyes and hands, watching out for signs of deception and nervous twitches.
According to them they are working together with also other sections that include CCTVs and undercover agents, so that passengers and sometimes relax that they are safe and no one watching them.
And suspicious signs are a-plenty, based on a passenger’s less than normal behaviour and reactions, as caught not only in person, but also by the eye in the sky.
In addition, there are a few more similarities spotted among drug smugglers, particularly eye contact.
“Sometimes when they’re going through the inspection gates, they do not make any eye contact with you, they try to use their phone or just walk past without looking at you,” said Hassan.
He continued, “But when they pass you, you might catch one revealing sign from him, like that quick glance from the corner of his eye.”
As the inspectors are watchful of more body language signs, suspects proceed to attract even more attention to them.
“Sometimes they’re rushing to go outside and at the same time they’re looking for a family and sneak alongside them,” continued Hassan.The baggage area is also a hot zone to watch out for.
“So, we do not rush to check them. We check for three or more signs and after that complete our procedure to be 100 per cent sure the passenger is clean and not carrying anything with him,” said Huda.
With the checks, questioning and searches, the team sometimes faces a bit of resistance, where at times they call in the police to be present.
