Man tried to smuggle drugs hidden under crisp packets, court hears

The traveller was caught in possession of nearly 8kg of marijuana by customs officials at Dubai International Airport

A man tried to smuggle nearly 8 kilogrammes of marijuana into Dubai by hiding the drugs stash under packets of crisps, a court heard.

The Indian traveller was caught out by customs officials at Dubai International Airport who were suspicious about the weight of his luggage.

The man - who landed in the UAE on a visit visa - told inspectors the box he was carrying merely contained a quantity of potato snacks.

“It was suspiciously heavy for the contents it was supposed to be carrying,” said an Emirati inspector.

“We asked him clearly if the box contained any illegal substances and he said no.”

When officials opened the box, they found 7.8kg of marijuana wraps inside.

The 24-year-old admitted he was asked to deliver the package to a Dubai resident when questioned by prosecutors.

“He said he did not know the identity of the man he was supposed to hand the drugs to,” prosecutors said.

The incident occurred on July 9 of this year, Dubai Criminal Court was told.

In court, the accused denied a smuggling charge, insisting the drugs were for his own personal use.

A medical test had confirmed he was under the influence of drugs when arrested at the airport.

The case was adjourned until October 15, when a verdict is due to be passed.