Two Arrested in Bahrain Over Smuggling Four Tons of Prohibited Tobacco

The Second Minor Criminal Court has sentenced two individuals involved in an attempt to smuggle a banned tobacco product, known as tembak, into Bahrain.

The Gulf national, identified as the first defendant, received a three-year prison sentence and a fine of BD 60,000, while the second defendant, an Asian national, was sentenced to six months in prison. The court also ordered the confiscation of the seized goods and the tanker used in the smuggling attempt.

Authorities began the case after the Public Prosecution received a report from the Customs Affairs at the Ministry of Interior, which revealed a shipment containing four tons of the prohibited tembak, cleverly hidden inside a tanker, intended to be brought into Bahrain through the seaport.

The Tax Evasion Crimes Unit launched an investigation immediately, inspecting the seized shipment and consulting laboratory experts, who confirmed it contained the banned substance. Investigators also questioned customs officers, as well as staff from the shipping and clearance companies involved, and found that the second defendant had collaborated with the first defendant to falsify import documents by listing the shipment under his employer’s name to bypass import restrictions.

Following the investigation, the Public Prosecution issued an order to detain the first defendant and interrogated the second, who admitted to the charges. The case was then referred to the criminal court, which issued the sentences.