Dubai Police play part in smashing international drug smuggling attempts

DUBAI // Five drug-smuggling attempts have been foiled with the help of Dubai Police.

An operation also involving authorities in India, Nigeria and Oman has led to the arrest of six people and the seizure of more than 18 kilograms of cocaine.

The police anti-narcotics unit relayed important information to the other authorities, said Maj Gen Khalil Al Mansouri, assistant to the Dubai Police chief in Criminal Investigation Affairs. He added that three of the six arrested were women.

“Two African women carrying nine kilograms of cocaine in their suitcases were trying to smuggle the narcotics in to Delhi but Dubai Police’s information was quicker than they were,” he said.

“They were arrested by the Indian authorities, along with a third person waiting for the two suspects.”

An Asian women in possession of 396 grams of the drug hidden in soap bars was arrested at Muscat airport.

Of the other three suspects, two were arrested abroad and the other at Dubai airport.

“One man tried to smuggle 810 grams of cocaine in his stomach into India and another was arrested in Lagos for trying to smuggle two kilos and 155 grams of cocaine in 100 capsules in his stomach,” Maj Gen Al Mansouri said.

“As for the last suspect, he was arrested in Dubai International Airport on March 29 after officers saw he was nervous and fearful. He was coming from Sao Paulo and headed to Nigeria.

“Police found in his hand luggage more than three kilos of cocaine in 139 capsules.”

The same suspect was taken to hospital and was found to be carrying another 3.3 kilograms of cocaine in 146 capsules in his stomach, Maj Gen Al Mansouri said.

“The man admitted that his friend asked him to smuggle the drugs for a sum of money. He was transferred to prosecution and charged with drug smuggling and possession,” the major general added.