Dubai Customs foils attempt to smuggle melted 24-karat gold

DUBAI - Dubai Customs officers, United Arab Emirates (UAE), revealed a sophisticated smuggling modus operandi involving 460 grams of 24-karat gold neatly hidden in a passenger's airport suitcase.

The raw gold has been melted and formed into thin rods, so that it can be inserted into the rubber frame and the internal structure of the suitcase.

The bag looked ordinary when it passed through the inspection at Dubai International Airport. Its appearance did not arouse any suspicion.

However, customs officers - who have years of experience and advanced technology - detected unusual signs on the X-ray scanner screen.

The suspicion prompted them to thoroughly inspect the suitcase, and they found the hidden gold bars. The passenger, a woman from an unnamed Asian country, admitted that she was asked to carry the suitcase by someone from her home country and did not know what it contained, as reported by The National (7/8).

Dubai Customs used this case to warn all travelers not to carry other people's bags, packages, or luggage, whatever the reason or how close their relationship with the person is.

"Tourists must ensure that they are fully aware of the contents of their luggage before traveling, as they remain legally responsible for everything in it," said Dubai Customs.

Director of Passenger Operations at Dubai Customs Khalid Ahmed said the seizure reflected how concealment and smuggling methods have evolved.

At the same time, this confirms the efficiency of Dubai Customs officers and their ability to detect even the most complex smuggling methods, he added.

"Dubai Customs is committed to continuing to invest in the development of the ability of officers through special training programs that follow the latest methods of concealment and smuggling," he said.

"These programs include identifying the latest concealment methods, body language reading, behavioral analysis, and responses to various field scenarios, as well as the professional use of state-of-the-art inspection and scanning equipment and systems," Ahmed continued.

"This strengthens the ability of officers to detect and thwart complex smuggling attempts," he said.