Dubai seizes millions of cigarettes, thousands of cosmetics in massive air cargo crackdown

Dubai: In a sweeping three-month inspection campaign, Dubai Customs has seized more than 35 tonnes of smuggled, counterfeit, and non-compliant goods across all air cargo centres in Dubai, marking the largest operation of its kind since the beginning of 2025.

Among the items confiscated were 12 million smuggled cigarettes, 6.7 million counterfeit cigarettes, 37,110 non-compliant cosmetic products, 3,632 unauthorised electronic components and 10,520 counterfeit items of global brands.

The extensive drive reinforces Dubai Customs’ ongoing mission to secure the UAE’s borders, curb smuggling and commercial fraud, and protect the economic and public health interests of the community, the authority said on Tuesday.

Dr Abdulla Busenad, Director General of Dubai Customs, commended the tireless efforts of inspection teams and highlighted the advanced capabilities supporting their work.

“We have advanced systems and technologies to intercept and target suspicious shipments, a highly skilled inspection team, and a customs intelligence department with extensive expertise in data analysis and shipment monitoring,” he said.

“Our cutting-edge scanning and inspection devices send a clear message to anyone attempting to manipulate the trade system: Our strategy focuses on becoming a global leader in secure customs operations while strengthening the region’s role as a hub for legitimate trade, enhancing national security, protecting trademark owners, driving the national economy, and supporting Dubai’s vision and economic agenda.”

He noted that the rapid growth of global trade and the increasing reliance on air cargo have intensified the challenge of balancing trade facilitation with security enforcement.

Sultan Saif Al Suwaidi, Director of Air Cargo Centres Management, stressed the role of inspectors in maintaining a secure and efficient supply chain.

“We thoroughly check all parcels using advanced scanning systems. When suspicion arises, items undergo detailed manual inspection. At the same time, we expedite customs clearance to meet the demands of air cargo operations, ensuring goods reach the market on time,” he said.

“Our inspectors are experts in reading and analysing X-ray images and data from inspection devices, and we continuously develop their skills through specialised training courses. These ongoing inspection campaigns are key to combating smuggling and counterfeit goods, strengthening investor confidence, and protecting global brand rights.”

Yousef Ozair Mubarak, Director of the IPR Department, underlined the role of collaboration with strategic partners in detecting and removing counterfeit goods.

“We work closely with brand representatives, who regularly conduct workshops for customs inspectors to teach the latest detection methods. No matter how sophisticated counterfeit techniques become, our teams are trained to spot them,” he said.

“In line with our commitment to community safety and environmental protection, we recycle seized counterfeit goods in partnership with trademark owners. This approach transforms them into reusable materials, avoiding the harmful environmental impact of traditional destruction methods.”