Muscat – Royal Oman Police (ROP) thwarted 409 smuggling attempts in the first half of 2026, underscoring its sustained efforts to strengthen customs controls and safeguard society and the national economy from the adverse impacts of illicit trade.

According to the ROP, smuggling methods continue to evolve in sophistication, requiring customs authorities to constantly upgrade monitoring tools and enhance operational readiness to address emerging challenges.

Capt Hilal bin Saeed Al Sharji of Al Buraimi Customs said the Directorate of Compliance and Risk Assessment plays a pivotal role in combating smuggling activities through advanced risk assessment methodologies and the classification of shipments based on their level of sensitivity before entering the country.

He explained that the assessment process relies on multiple information sources and regulatory procedures that enable authorities to identify consignments requiring greater scrutiny, whether through document verification or physical inspection.

Capt Al Sharji noted that the rapid expansion of digital technologies and smart systems in global shipping and logistics has been accompanied by increasingly innovative attempts by smugglers to circumvent regulations. These include concealing information, manipulating shipment data and altering transportation routes to evade detection.

In response, the customs administration has intensified its use of modern technologies and advanced analytical tools to detect irregular patterns, improve risk profiling and enhance its ability to identify potential violations proactively.

He further stressed that successful field operations are only one part of the enforcement process, which also requires the meticulous collection of evidence and the preparation of comprehensive case files to support legal proceedings and ensure accountability before courts.

The ROP reaffirmed that protecting Oman’s borders and combating smuggling demand a combination of skilled personnel, cutting-edge technology and close cooperation among relevant authorities. It also highlighted the importance of public awareness and community engagement in supporting efforts to preserve national security and protect the sultanate’s economic and social interests.