Abu Dhabi customs foil heroin smuggling bid

The attempt was foiled when Abu Dhabi customs officers found clear bags containing brown materials hidden in a Pakistani man's suitcase.

Abu Dhabi customs caught a Pakistani man trying to smuggle 4.19kg of heroin in his suitcase.

An attempt to smuggle heroin into the country via Abu Dhabi Airport has been foiled.

A Pakistani man was caught with 4.19kg of the drug in his suitcase, the Department of Finance said.

The attempt was foiled when inspectors from the General Directorate of Customs in Abu Dhabi found clear bags containing brown materials hidden in the base and top layers of the smuggler's suitcase.

It was later concluded that the bags contained heroin, a statement released today said.

"On this important occasion, we would like to express that we are very proud of the efficiency and professionalism that our customs inspectors have reached to, following their hard work and tedious efforts to protect the UAE from potential harm that could affect its society or economy alike," said Saeed Ahmed Abdullah Al Muhairi, director general of Abu Dhabi customs.

Hamad Al Hurr Al Suwaidi, chairman of the Department of Finance, praised the continuous achievements of the customs officers.

He also stressed the special attention the Department of Finance pays to customs activities in terms of developing and raising work efficiency which, he said, is evident in the high number of failed smuggling attempts and seizures customs officials are taking part in.