A traveller attempted to smuggle 1.2kg of cocaine valued at Dh5 million hidden in his intestines into Abu Dhabi, authorities said on Sunday.
Customs officers at the capital's Zayed International Airport allegedly found 89 capsules of the class A drug in the body of the man after he was subjected to advanced screenings due to suspicions over his behaviour.
The General Directorate of Ports at the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security said the smuggling bid took place at the airport on Friday.
The traveller had flown into the UAE from an undisclosed South American country.
"He was subjected to advanced screening equipment, which revealed indications of foreign objects inside his body," said the authority.
"He was then referred to the competent authorities, who extracted the 89 capsules from his intestines."
UAE authorities have pledged to use the latest cutting-edge technology and detection methods as part of a zero tolerance approach to the fight against drugs.
In March, Abu Dhabi Police seized 184 kilogrammes of hashish from two Asian suspects, during an operation codenamed Secret Hideouts.
The pair were members of a criminal network, led by a person based outside the UAE, who used international telephone numbers to send unsolicited messages, said Brig Taher Gharib Al Dhaheri, director of the Anti-Narcotics Directorate in the Criminal Security Sector of Abu Dhabi Police.
The two were found in possession of narcotics, concealed inside marble cylinders, state news agency Wam reported at the time.
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
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Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory