An Asian traveller was caught with 7.06kg of marijuana at Dubai International Airport (DXB), it was reported on Tuesday. He was found to have stashed the illegal drugs inside the boxes of a popular cereal brand.
The narcotics were seized and legal action was taken against the smuggler, according to Arabic daily Al Bayan, which quoted statements from Dubai Customs.
The drugs hidden inside cereal boxes would have been challenging to detect, but since the authorities spotted "a strange, dark substance" inside the boxes, necessary measures had been taken, said the report.
Dubai Customs has been scaling up efforts to protect the community against drug smugglers, it added.
Syndicates have now come up with new ways of bringing narcotics into the country — but the UAE authorities have always been two steps ahead of these gangs.
Khaled Ahmed, senior director of passenger operations at the Dubai airport's terminal 1, said some would hide drugs inside cosmetics; others would mix with clothes; and there were those who tried squeezing them inside seasonal fruits and bags of spices. However, customs authorities are equipped with high-tech inspection devices, allowing them to intercept suspicious parcels and foil attempts of smuggling drugs and other contraband.
Ibrahim Al Kamali, director of passenger operations department at Dubai Customs, said: "We have a clear vision and strategy...in terms of facilitating travel procedures and countering smuggling attempts... The [Dubai Customs] constantly raises the efficiency of customs inspectors through intensive training courses... combined with advanced inspection devices."
ALSO READ:
At the event, popular Indian rapper Badshah enthralled the crowd with his hits, while the renowned Indian band Avial brought their unique fusion music
uae19 hours ago
The Red Crescent delegation has completed UAE relief operations' first phase in Sorsogon, the province most affected by the typhoon
uae20 hours ago
The event will look to find urgent and lasting solutions to the unprecedented challenges faced by children around the world
uae22 hours ago
RTA has also introduced an additional parking area and awareness campaigns
uae22 hours ago
Vehicle movement will be affected due to T100 Triathlon World Tour finals, said RTA
uae22 hours ago
On Friday, 23 vehicles and three motorbikes were seized for loud noises in Al Khawaneej area due to illegal vehicle modifications
uae1 day ago
The event will take place at Erth, Abu Dhabi, from 7am on Saturday, 23 November
uae1 day ago