Dubai Customs to use virtual reality to find hidden drugs, weapons.
Nov 15, 2018
Dubai Customs are training their inspectors through virtual
reality to improve the efficiency of catching illegal items "hidden
cleverly" by smugglers.
The visuals in the virtual reality (VR) sessions are
duplicates of actual images from Deira Wharfage, where the inspectors can
search boats and seaports for drugs, weapons and other illegal items.
The project will soon expand to training them to search containers
that come and leave the Jebel Ali Port, as well as the trucks that pass the
Hatta port.
Khawla AlSaleis, the administration affairs director at Dubai
Customs, said: "The virtual reality teaches them how to start their day
before the inspection - all the safety tools should be ready before they go to
the ports. It will teach them how to inspect hidden and illegal items, such as
drugs, weapons and others. Each time the inspector finds an illegal item, he
will get points. When he receives enough points, he can go on to the next
level."
The idea behind the initiative is that the new and younger
inspectors will enjoy learning through VR and it will help them retain
information faster.
So far, 20 inspectors for sea-related training have taken
part in the VR sessions to get them ready for fieldwork.