Manama: Qatari authorities have arrested a passenger as he attempted to smuggle 53 pearls and diamonds worth $1.2 million into the country through Hamad International Airport (HIA).
The passenger was in possession of two suitcases, and told the customs officers that he wanted to enter Qatar with only one case and transfer the other one on a transit trip, Qatar News Agency (QNA) reported.
During the inspection of the two cases, the customs inspector had suspicions about the passenger and referred him to another officer for a body search.
The officer discovered small packages under his clothes around his abdomen and back.
When the packages were removed and opened, the officer found seven diamond rings, three pearl necklaces and 43 pieces of natural pearl.
The passenger was referred to the competent security authorities for legal action. QNA said.
General Director of Qatar’s General Administration of Customs Ahmad Bin Ali Al Mohannadi honoured the inspector who discovered the diamonds and pearls, stressing the importance of continuing efforts to protect the country and foil all smuggling attempts.
HIA Customs Director Ajab Mansour Al Qahtani said that his department conducted daily operations to ensure there are no attempts to smuggle drugs, jewellery or cash into the country.
