Customs inspectors at Dubai International Airport foiled a smuggling attempted and discovered 5.2 kilograms of heroin, contained in 477 capsules swallowed by seven Asian passengers.
The seizure is the biggest of its kind at a Dubai airport.
Known as the “Relatives Gang” job, the smugglers coordinated to arrive at Terminal 2 aboard several different flights the past few days in an attempt to mislead customs inspectors by landing when the airport is busiest.
The men also timed their arrival to happen during a shift change by inspectors, thinking it would improve their chances of success.
“This seizure proved the experience and efficiency, the ability to link and analyse information and high-alert sense of security of customs inspectors, where the seven passengers pulled several tricks,” said Ahmed Musabih, director of Dubai Customs.
Ahmad bin Lahej, director of passenger operations, said the plan was foiled when the first passenger caught showed signs of being nervous and shifty.
Inspectors took the passenger into the office to search his baggage and clothes. However, it was not until they used a body scan device that they noticed strange items inside his intestinal tract.
The passenger admitted to swallowing 50 capsules of heroin before tipping the inspectors that there were others involved in the plan.
Mr bin Lahej said that after catching the first smuggler, inspectors held a meeting to increase surveillance during shifts and develop a plan for catching the others.
The rest of the gag arrived from the same country on different flights, all of which landed when the airport was busiest.
Mr Bin Lahej said customs inspectors coordinated with the general directorate of residency and foreigners affairs to make background checks on the suspected accomplices.
Over the next few days, officers proceeded to catch the other six accomplices, each of whom had swallowed between five and 68 capsules.
Custom officers were able to establish a pattern with the others, who were all blood relatives coming to Dubai under the guise of working for the same company.
Although Dubai Airport customs officials have seized more heroin in the past, such as the 24kg found in the bags of an Asian passenger during the summer, this was the largest seizure of this kind.
nalwasmi@thenational.ae
