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- Dubai 04:24 05:43 12:19 15:46 18:51 20:09
Dubai Customs led in last September international efforts to thwart a bid to smuggle 8.5 kg of pure cocaine hidden inside the frame of an Asian passenger's bag.
The operation, which started in Lagos, Nigeria, and ended in the Indian capital of New Delhi in transit to Dubai, culminated in the seizure of the haul, valued at as much as Dh12 million. The information provided to Indian authorities by Dubai Customs led to apprehension of the accused after locating his place of residence, while the bag with its contents was seized upon arrival at the airport, Dubai Customs said.
Ali Al Maqhawi, Director of Airports Operations at Dubai Customs, disclosed the details of the operation. He explained that clues led to the detection of the smuggling bid at Dubai International Airport. The inspectors at Dubai Customs suspected a bag, which was placed under close surveillance by the concerned team.
"Through active cooperation and coordination with strategic partners at Dubai International Airport, and following an intensive investigation, the bag owner was identified. The suspected bag owner, instead of proceeding to visa and passport controls to enter the country, headed to the Airport's transit area and purchased a ticket to Delhi, in an attempt to elude customs authorities," he added.
In line with the joint cooperation and coordination maintained between Dubai Customs and the General Department of Anti-Narcotics - Dubai Police General Headquarters, a controlled delivery operation was carried out for the bag and passenger. The suspected baggage information was passed on to New Delhi's concerned authorities, in order to act as necessary.
"Before the passenger's arrival to India, the information was passed on to the competent authorities for further processing. As a result of monitoring the issue with the authorities there, the bag was seized upon arrival to the New Delhi airport. The inspection revealed that it contained (8.5 kg) of pure cocaine; with a commercial value of about Dh12 million.
"The Indian authorities were able to determine the smuggler's location and subsequently arrested him based on the accurate information they received from the UAE security authorities about his place of residence after the reception of his bag. The efficiency of the operation assures that the Customs staff conducts its inspection procedures with precise follow up and accuracy," said Al Maqhawi.
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