Abu Dhabi: Working together, the Department of Anti-Drug at Abu Dhabi Police and inspectors at Abu Dhabi International Airport’s Customs recently foiled a smuggling attempt of 146 cocaine capsules weighing a total of 2.8kg.
The illicit drug haul was seized from three passengers entering the country through Abu Dhabi International Airport from South America.
During the incident, night shift inspectors suspected a Nigerian passenger, authorities said in a statement on Saturday.
The inspectors searched the traveller and found 18 cocaine capsules, weighting 306 grams.
Further investigation led customs inspectors to question two other passengers on the same flight, who were carrying more of the same capsules.
When subjected to inspection, a total of 128 cocaine capsules were found.
Following the inspection, a record was issued on the incident and the illegal substances were confiscated.
The three travellers were then detained and transferred to the concerned authorities to take all necessary legal action.
Mohammad Khadem Al Hameli, Acting Director-General of the General Administration of Abu Dhabi Customs, praised customs inspectors at Abu Dhabi International Airport for their efforts and their dedication in performing their duties.
Al Hameli stated that hard work is crucial to protect the UAE and maintain its security.
The latest drug bust follows efforts revealed last week by the Ministry of Interior that resulted in two operations that led to the seizure of a total of 125,000 narcotic pills on-board a ship arriving at Sharjah Creek and the other at a UAE land border point.
Colonel Saeed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the Anti-Narcotics Federal Directorate General at the ministry, said earlier that the first bust was made after a tip-off revealed that a smuggling attempt was planned on a ship arriving in the country.
“The banned substances — 45,500 narcotic pills — were being smuggled by a crew member who was delivering them to a drug dealer,” said Col Al Suwaidi, adding that the Federal Anti-Narcotics unit and Sharjah Police successfully apprehended all those involved.
Col Al Suwaidi also noted that the second attempt was intercepted after police gathered intelligence on a gang of drug dealers involved in an attempt to smuggle 80,000 narcotic substances to the country through Dibba Al Hosn border in Sharjah. A joint effort involving the Federal Directorate General for Drug Control, Sharjah and Dubai Police forces and in cooperation with the General Department for Combating drugs and Psychotropic Substances in Oman, resulted in the arrest of suspects.
