Dubai authorities have dismantled a drug smuggling and distribution network after seizing nearly 200kg, or 278,850 Pregabalin pills, and arresting four suspects, officials said on Thursday.
The operation was carried out jointly by Dubai Customs and the General Department of Anti-Narcotics at Dubai Police.
According to officials, Dubai Customs identified a suspicious shipment arriving from an Asian country using advanced shipment data analysis systems supported by a smart risk engine, targeting technology, and customs intelligence tools.
Following the alert, the Siyaj customs team conducted a detailed inspection and seized 150,600 Pregabalin pills from the shipment.
Subsequent coordination with Dubai Police led to the arrest of a four-member criminal gang operating in the UAE. Authorities also recovered an additional 128,250 pills in their possession, bringing the total seizure to 278,850.
Rashed bin Harb Al Shamsi, Director of the Customs Intelligence Department at Dubai Customs, said the case highlights the continued development of Dubai Customs’ operations, which increasingly rely on artificial intelligence, data analytics, and advanced risk assessment systems to detect and intercept high-risk shipments early.