Man held with marijuana disguised as cereal
This is the latest in a spate of ‘cunning attempts’ to outwit customs inspectors
Dubai Customs has foiled an Asian traveller’s attempt to smuggle 7.06kg of marijuana through Dubai International Airport. The drugs were “cleverly hidden” within bags of a well-known breakfast cereal brand, posing a “formidable challenge” to detection, according to inspectors from the Passenger Operations Department at Terminal 1.
Vigilance paid off
The suspicion arose when unusual dark substances were discovered within the bags, potentially indicating the presence of prohibited materials. Consequently,
standard procedures were promptly implemented to address the situation.
The passenger and the confiscated narcotics were then handed over to the General Directorate of Anti-Narcotics at Dubai Police for further legal action. This accomplishment showcases the robust partnership between Dubai Customs
and Dubai Police in combating drug trafficking.
Efficient detection
Ibrahim Kamali, the Director of the Passengers Operations Department at Dubai Customs, emphasised the department’s commitment to equipping its customs centres with cuttingedge inspection systems, devices, and state-of-the-art technology. These measures enable the efficient detection of drugs and other prohibited substances.
Intensive training
He said the customs inspectors undergo comprehensive and intensive training programmes to enhance their proficiency. These training courses refine their scientific and practical skills, enabling them to effectively detect drug smuggling attempts.
Khaled Ahmed, Senior Manager of the Passenger Operations Department, highlighted the “cunning tactics” employed by smugglers to outsmart customs inspectors. These tactics include methods such as “body packing,” hiding contraband within cosmetic products, inside clothing, in packaged food items such as breakfast cereals and spice packets, and even within fruits.