Foreign national arrested at Bahrain airport with cocaine worth BD400,000

A 32 year old foreign national has been arrested upon arrival in Bahrain after authorities seized more than three kilograms of cocaine with an estimated street value of about BD400,000. The drugs were found in the suspect’s possession at the time of his arrival in the Kingdom.

The Ministry of Interior said the arrest was carried out by the Anti Narcotics Directorate of the General Directorate of Criminal Investigation and Forensic Science at Bahrain International Airport. Officials said the suspect entered Bahrain on a visit visa and was intercepted following information received on the case.

According to the directorate, investigations led to identifying the suspect and taking action upon his arrival. The seized substances were secured, and legal procedures were taken in preparation for referring the case to the Public Prosecution.

The arrest comes as Bahrain continues to intensify efforts to combat drug trafficking and related crimes. Earlier this past month, authorities destroyed about 1.4 tonnes of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances with a street value exceeding BD7 million, following final court rulings ordering their confiscation.

The quantities destroyed had been seized in cases concluded between mid 2023 and the end of 2024. Their destruction was carried out in accordance with Law No. 15 of 2007 on narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances after the judgments became final and binding.

A committee formed by a decision of the Minister of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Waqf oversaw the destruction process. The committee included representatives from the Public Prosecution, the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Waqf and visited the secure storage facility where the seized materials had been kept.
Lieutenant Colonel Fawaz Al Doseri attended on behalf of the Interior Ministry, alongside Mohammed Makki representing the JMinistry of Justice. The committee carried out a legal inspection of the seized items, confirming case details, official seals and recorded weights before the destruction was completed.

Figures

In related figures, the Public Prosecution said 2322 drug cases were referred to the courts over the past three years. The figures reflect intensified monitoring and sustained efforts by the relevant authorities to pursue such crimes and strengthen legal security. The statistics were provided in a statement to Al Ayyam, a sister newspaper of The Daily Tribune, highlighting the scale of drug related cases handled by the judicial system during the period.

Authorities have reiterated that anti narcotics operations remain a security priority. Coordination between enforcement and judicial bodies is continuing to intercept smuggling attempts, implement court rulings and uphold the law.

Major Drug Incidents in Bahrain – 2025

• Four men arrested for running a drug ring; narcotics and equipment seized.
• A 62-year-old Bahraini found dead in Salmaniya, suspected drug overdose.
• Foreign national caught smuggling 100 drug-filled capsules via Bahrain Airport.
• Five people arrested for converting a house into a drug production site; seizures over BD1 million.
• Appeals court upholds life sentences for three men smuggling 350 kg of hashish, linked to an Iranian network.

Report suspicious activity: 996@interior.gov.bh or call 996.