Dubai Customs officers at Dubai International Terminal 3 foiled an attempt to smuggle 24 Kg of heroin concealed in secret pockets at the bottom of baggage suitcases belonging to an Asian passenger who was coming from his home country. The smuggler works as a salesman in Dubai.

Sultan bin Sulayem, Chairman of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, hailed the invaluable efforts of Customs officers in deterring this huge quantity of narcotics. This operation reflects Dubai Customs commitment to firmly stand against all bids to illicitly import such toxic contraband into the UAE which jeopardize the safety and wellbeing of local community.

On his part, Ahmed Mahboob, Director of Dubai Customs, said The smuggler (M.B) naively thought he would delude Dubai Customs inspectors and get through customs unnoticed, seeking to make quick cash out of this illicit trade. But the inspectors were on the hype of readiness to deter this criminal act, when officers at the internal equipment section suspected five bags, then made a reference for a field follow up procedure of them to the luggage belt. The bags owner was then identified and tracked down to the Customs area. Inspectors had to physically screen the luggage as per Customs bylaws. This hands-on inspection unveiled the presence of finely customized hidden pockets at the bottom of the five bags, filled with pure heroin.

As a routine procedure, the passenger, the investigation records, the seizure report and the narcotics were handed over to the Anti-Narcotics General Department at Dubai Police for further action.
Ahmed Mahboob further noted that the Airport Operations Department at Dubai Customs exerts tremendous efforts in two main areas, first is the facilitation of travellers procedures coming to the UAE by air and the second is protecting the society from the risks of smuggling.