Traveller accused of smuggling live snake into Dubai for ‘black magic’ rituals
A traveller has been arrested on suspicion of smuggling “black magic” contraband into Dubai, including a live snake stashed inside a plastic bag.
Customs officials found the illicit items – which also included a monkey’s hand, talismans, eggs wrapped with cotton and a dead bird – hidden in the luggage of a passenger who landed at Dubai International Airport Terminal 1 last week.
Inspectors had been suspicious of the man’s behaviour and searched his bag.
The inspection uncovered items linked to the practice of witchcraft and sorcery, said Customs officials.
“Inspectors found a snake in a plastic bag that was wrapped and concealed between clothes,” said Khalid Ahmed, senior manager of Terminal 1 at the passenger operations department at Dubai Customs.
Officials also found “the hand of a monkey, a dead bird, eggs, pieces of paper and talismans,” he added.
A piece of animal skin covered with symbols was also discovered, the official said.
The items were transferred to Dubai’s Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department and Islamic Department, which confirmed the items were intended to be used in black magic rituals.
The man, who authorities said is from an African country, was referred to Dubai Police for investigation.
Practising black magic or attempting to smuggle sorcery items is illegal under Article 316 of the UAE’s penal code.
Anyone caught smuggling black magic objects faces a jail sentence or fine.
“We are aware of the danger of using such items in black magic and fooling others,” Mr Ahmed said.
“Items that could be associated with sorcery or black magic are prohibited. All travellers’ bags go through X-ray.”
Other items previously confiscated by customs officers included metal objects, animal skins, black magic books, beads and bags containing fish skeletons, rings, nails, bones and blood.
Inspectors also found the hand of a monkey, a dead bird, eggs, talismans and a piece of animal skin covered with symbols