Attempt to smuggle 5,880 wine bottles into Saudi Arabia foiled by authorities

Abu Dhabi: Saudi customs inspectors thwarted an attempt to smuggle 5,880 wine bottles into the kingdom which were hidden in a shipment of butter molds.

Ahmad Al Essa, Director General of the Saudi Customs Command and Control Center, said a consignment of butter molds loaded on a truck was presented to the outlet at Al Batha port. Inspectors found wine bottles were hidden inside them.

Al Essa warned that despite the elaborate methods used by smugglers, most attempts are thwarted by customs officers.

Under Islamic law, alcohol is illegal in Saudi Arabia and anyone caught in possession of wine, beer or other alcoholic beverages run the risk of time in jail.