Oman police arrest drug trafficker

Muscat: In a relentless crackdown against drug traffickers and addicts, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) once again foiled a daring attempt to smuggle heroin by swallowing capsules.

“A passenger of Asian nationality was caught at the Muscat International Airport with 55 capsules in his stomach,” a ROP spokesman said.

According to him the initial search of the suspect’s luggage yielded nothing but police’s suspicion grew stronger with the odd behaviour of the accused. “He looked uncomfortable so he was taken to the ROP Hospital in Qurum district and X-rays revealed the capsules,” the spokesman added.

This modus operandi of swallowing capsules filled with drugs is becoming common and police at the Muscat International Airport are vigilant about this method of smuggling drugs.

According to sources, some of these drug smugglers, who appear to be poor couriers, sometimes arrive without any luggage.

The ROP has urged citizens as well as residents to help police campaign against the deadly menace of drugs. “Inform police about drug users as well as those who promote use of drugs,” he said, assuring confidentiality about the identity of informers. The ROP can be informed on emergency number (9999) or hotline (1444).

Meanwhile, the police have arrested another Asian for attempting to smuggle diesel out of the country via the Wadi Jizzi border post.

“The diesel, which is sold at a subsidised price in Oman, smuggling incidences are on the rise and officers at the border posts are on guard to prevent this,” the ROP spokesman said.

He added that the truck used for smuggling diesel had a hidden tank inside. “The driver confessed that they were involved in the smuggling of diesel with the owners,” he said, adding that the driver had promised not to repeat his offence.

The police confiscated the truck used for smuggling diesel and arrested the driver for further legal action.

The ROP spokesman said that in the recent past the police have foiled several attempts to smuggle diesel out of the country either by land or sea route.