Officials manually searched the bags in the presence of the passenger, showing black plastic bags containing food and marijuana
Dubai Customs officials caught 36.76 kg of marijuana at Dubai International Airport, which was “skillfully hidden” in two bags that belonged to an African passenger.
The inspectors suspected that the two bags had varying densities when scanned. Following their suspicion, the officials manually searched the bags in the presence of the passenger, showing black plastic bags containing food and marijuana.
“The first bag contained 16.86kg of marijuana and the second one contained 19.9kg, which brought the total weight of the contraband to 36.76kg,” a statement by Dubai Customs said.
The suspect was then handed over to the relevant authorities for further investigation and legal procedures.
“We are proud of doing our national duty to secure the borders and protect the society from the hazards of these illegitimate contrabands,” Dubai Customs director of the passenger operations department Ibrahim Kamali said.
“The Dubai Customs inspection officers are the first line of defense to secure the borders against the smuggling of prohibited and hazardous shipments. Our inspectors are among the best in the world owing to their distinctive experience and skills. They are an integral part of the Government Department’s 2021-2026 strategy and vision, which sees Dubai Customs leading the customs sector worldwide.” Kamali added.
The official also pointed out that smugglers often resort to “strange tricks”, such as hiding prohibited items in foodstuffs, especially those with strong smells like spices, and dried fish, and even body packing.
“For this, our inspectors joined intensive training workshops and courses to hone their skills in body language and methods of revealing the various concealment and camouflage. These workshops are regularly updated to keep up with the latest trends in the field. Modern technologies, devices and equipment aid the process,” Kamali said.
