Warning for Bahrain-Saudi travelers: Pregnant woman detained after taxi driver’s liquor smuggling attempt

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Expatriates traveling from Bahrain to their home countries via Dammam, Saudi Arabia, are urged to exercise extreme caution following a distressing incident involving a pregnant woman. The woman, along with another passenger, was recently detained by the Saudi authorities due to a taxi driver’s hidden smuggling attempt The woman, who is three months pregnant, had decided to resign from her job and return to Kerala due to the current exceptional circumstances in the region. A private travel agency in Bahrain had arranged her visa, flight tickets from Dammam, and a private taxi to transport her across the King Fahd Causeway.

Unbeknownst to the passengers, the taxi driver had hidden bottles of liquor in the vehicle. During a routine inspection at Saudi Customs, the contraband was discovered. Since Saudi Arabia maintains a zero-tolerance policy and strict legal framework against alcohol and drugs, the police immediately took the driver, the pregnant woman, and the fellow passenger into custody.  Upon learning of the situation, prominent Bahrain-based social worker Fazal Ul Haq  intervened. Through his timely coordination with the relevant authorities, he was able to prove the passengers' innocence.

passengers were released

Following the investigation, the passengers were released, while the driver remains in custody facing legal proceedings. Reports also indicate that the vehicle used was a rental car from Bahrain, which is now likely to be confiscated by the authorities.

The travel agency has since arranged an alternative flight for the woman to return home via Dubai today.

(21st March)  Social workers and community leaders have advised the expatriate community to remain vigilant. While it is natural for many to feel anxious and seek a quick return home given the current regional tensions, travelers must ensure they use verified transport services.

"When traveling to countries like Saudi Arabia, where laws are extremely strict, one must be aware of thorough inspections. Do not fall into such traps by trusting unverified private transport," a spokesperson commented.