Authorities in the United Arab Emirates foiled an attempt to smuggle cocaine into the country after a passenger arriving at Zayed International Airport was found concealing narcotics inside the body.
According to officials, customs inspectors identified suspicious behavior from a passenger of African nationality during arrival procedures at the airport.
The traveler was subjected to advanced inspection measures before being transferred to a hospital for further medical examination.
Authorities said medical tests later confirmed the presence of foreign objects concealed inside the passenger’s body.
Following surgery, doctors extracted 100 capsules containing cocaine weighing a total of 1,418 grams.
Officials immediately completed seizure procedures before referring the suspect and confiscated narcotics to the proper authorities for legal action.
The operation was carried out through coordination between the General Directorate of Ports under the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security and the National Anti-Narcotics Authority.
Authorities praised the customs officers involved in the operation for their professionalism, behavioral analysis skills, and ability to detect sophisticated smuggling methods.
Officials said the case highlights the UAE’s continuing efforts to strengthen airport security and combat narcotics trafficking using advanced inspection systems and risk analysis techniques.
The National Anti-Narcotics Authority also commended the coordination between operational teams and intelligence systems in preventing the smuggling attempt.
The UAE maintains some of the world’s strictest anti-drug laws, with authorities regularly warning travelers against involvement in narcotics-related crimes.
