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Woman tries to smuggle 5.6kg of cocaine in secret pocket of bag
Dubai Customs’ inspection staff at Dubai International Airport seized 5.6 kilograms of cocaine narcotics being carried by an inbound female traveller arriving from a Latin American country.
At the terminal’s checkpoint, the customs officers with their high security vigilance grow suspicious of the passenger.
They flagged her luggage for a routine X-ray scanning which spotted an abnormal density at the bottom of the woman’s suitcase.
The woman was stopped by the inspection officers and asked to provide her passport for identity verification.
Asked if she had anything to declare, her answer was ‘no’. However upon searching the bag, inspectors discovered a secret pocket inside the inner lining. It was loaded with black plastic sacks wrapped in transparent adhesive. They contained white powder, which after examination turned out to be cocaine, weighing 3.2 kilograms.
Careful inspection of the bag’s contents went on to find another 2,473 grams cocaine concealed in bottles of body-care products, including shampoo and moisturizing body creams.
Ibrahim Kamali, director of passenger operations department, said: “The UAE is a global model to follow in curbing the trafficking of illicit drugs and safeguarding society from their dangers.
Kamali said the authority is entirely focused on increasing its capacity to detect and impound all harmful substances like narcotics before reaching the community.
“Dubai Customs plays a vital role in the country’s efforts to fight narcotics trafficking through its advanced infrastructure and highly trained inspection officers.
Despite the creative tricks some passengers use to hide prohibited materials, our highly-trained inspectors and advanced systems can effectively thwart smuggling attempts,” he said.
Kamali added that there are many programmes, systems, technologies and plans in place to effectively combat and foil any drug smuggling bids. “These include the integrated smart inspection system, among other advanced systems, that help in deterring drugs and other prohibited materials.”
The BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi has reopened to the public, marking the occasion with a large-scale flag-raising ceremony that brought together more than 1,000 attendees in a show of unity and appreciation for the United Arab Emirates.
The temple resumed operations on April 14 in line with national safety and security guidelines. Its official reopening was commemorated on April 19 with a ceremony held in the mandir’s central courtyard, where community members, officials, and volunteers gathered to celebrate what organisers described as a moment of gratitude and solidarity.
To watch a video of the event, click here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXUPHuskxKs/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
Senior representatives from government and civic bodies attended the event, including officials from Abu Dhabi Police and the Department of Community Development. In remarks during the ceremony, Brigadier General Hamed Mohammed Al Harji, Head of the Joint Task Force, said the gathering reflected the UAE’s spirit of harmony and coexistence, and reaffirmed authorities’ commitment to community safety.
Brigadier General Al Harji thanked Brahmavihari Swami for inviting the joint task force to take part in the ceremony, describing the event as a powerful display of unity. He said the large and diverse turnout was “deeply moving,” reflecting the UAE’s core values of harmony and coexistence. Al Harji added that the occasion reaffirmed the task force’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding the community and ensuring its well-being remains in trusted hands.
Flag-waving procession
The event drew participants from a wide cross-section of the UAE’s Indian diaspora, with cultural groups representing regions such as Rajasthan, Odisha, Bengal, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh, among other states. Attendees waved UAE flags and took part in a procession around the temple grounds, underscoring themes of inclusion and shared identity.
Swami Brahmaviharidas, head of the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, described the reopening as both a celebration and a moment of reflection. In his address, he praised the UAE’s leadership for fostering a sense of security and belonging among residents of diverse backgrounds.
“A country is not measured by the size of its land, wealth or population, but by the quality and character of its people and the vision of its leaders,” he said, expressing gratitude to the nation’s leadership for guiding the country through recent challenges.
Role of the temple
Temple officials also highlighted the role the mandir played during periods of global disruption, when travel restrictions left some individuals stranded. Volunteers organised support efforts that included food distribution, temporary accommodation and basic medical assistance, working in coordination with local authorities.
Mandir chairman Ashok Kotecha said the reopening signals a renewed commitment to community service. “We are honoured to be part of a nation that champions unity, compassion and peaceful coexistence,” he said.
The BAPS Hindu Mandir, which blends traditional Indian architecture with modern sustainability features, is positioned not only as a place of worship but also as a hub for cultural exchange and social outreach. As it resumes regular activities, leaders say its mission remains focused on service, inclusivity and strengthening community ties across the UAE.
Abu Dhabi’s BAPS Mandir reopens with focus on unity and appreciation for UAE
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