15 Years Jail for Airport Drug Smugglers

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

A major drug smuggling attempt at Bahrain International Airport has been foiled, two suspects were each sentenced to 15 years in prison, fined BD10,000, and ordered to be deported after serving their terms.

The First High Criminal Court of Appeals has scheduled April 13 to hear an appeal filed by the convicted individuals, who were found guilty of attempting to smuggle illegal drugs into the Kingdom using a highly sophisticated concealment method.

According to court records, customs officials grew suspicious while inspecting luggage arriving from an Asian country. Customs officials flagged two suitcases belonging to the suspects and diverted them to the red inspection channel. When questioned, both individuals denied carrying any items requiring declaration.

However, a detailed search revealed six transparent bags containing drugs, hidden among dried fish and shrimp. Authorities said the concealment was carried out with such precision that detection was extremely challenging.

Investigations revealed that the first suspect received the suitcase from an individual abroad, with instructions to deliver it to a contact in Bahrain in exchange for payment. The second suspect carried a similar suitcase, used the same concealment method, and admitted to a similar arrangement.

Authorities also seized multiple currencies believed to be proceeds of drug trafficking. Further inquiries showed that the suspects had checked into a hotel while awaiting instructions from an unidentified accomplice. They were told to photograph the luggage, use specific codes to open it, and prepare it for collection. However, no one arrived, and communication with the contact was eventually cut off.

Prosecutors confirmed that the suspects were part of an organised network engaged in drug trafficking for distribution and sale, with assistance from others whose identities remain unknown. Both individuals were aware that the substances they were transporting were illegal in Bahrain.

Their admissions during questioning exposed a meticulously coordinated operation that ultimately failed due to the vigilance of customs authorities.