Onion Shipment Scam Exposed

TDT | Manama

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40-year-old Asian man has been convicted after attempting to smuggle a large quantity of the banned substance known as “Tambaku” into the country, concealing it inside a shipment of onions.

The lower court sentenced him to three years in prison, imposed a fine of 3,985 dinars, and ordered additional customs and tax penalties exceeding 59,000 dinars. He will also be deported after completing his sentence. All seized goods were confiscated.

Inspection

The case came to light during a routine inspection at a maritime port, where a customs officer became suspicious after noticing irregularities in an incoming onion shipment from Asia. The cargo was subjected to X-ray screening, which revealed that the shipment had been used as a cover for smuggling activity.

Authorities discovered a total of 11,110 packets of the banned substance hidden within the onion bags, weighing approximately 1,035 kilograms.

Investigations showed the operation was carefully planned. The accused had worked with a customs broker and submitted falsified import documents in an attempt to disguise the shipment as legitimate trade. He allegedly arranged for the goods to be registered under another company in exchange for payment, despite lacking the required commercial licence.

Inquiries

Further inquiries also revealed attempts to evade taxes and customs duties, with coordination involving overseas accomplices to facilitate the illegal import.

What initially appeared to be a routine agricultural shipment ultimately uncovered a large-scale smuggling attempt, highlighting both the sophistication of the operation and the vigilance of customs authorities in preventing illegal imports.