UAE Customs Arrest Man With 300g Uncut Diamonds In Gut

Story By: Lee Bullen, Sub EditorJoseph GolderAgencyCentral European News

The customs authority in the United Arab Emirates has arrested an African man who was found trying to smuggle nearly 300 grams of uncut diamonds worth 70,000 GBP into the country in his gut.

Picture Credit: CEN/@FCAUAE

The incident took place in the city of Sharjah in the northern United Arab Emirates (UAE) after the authorities were tipped off several days before, according to the Federal Customs Authority (FCA).

They were reportedly informed that an African man was bringing raw diamonds into the UAE via the Sharjah International Airport.

In cooperation with the local Department of Sea Ports and Customs as well as the General Authority for the Security of Ports, Borders and Free Zones, the FCA arrested the unnamed man as soon as he landed in the country.

Picture Credit: CEN/@FCAUAE

A FCA spokesperson said: “When the suspect reached Sharjah customs, his passport was confiscated and his bags were searched.

“After carrying out an X-ray, officials discovered that the passenger had swallowed 297 grammes of raw diamonds, which were worth around 90,000 USD (68,940 GBP).”

According to the FCA, the diamonds were concealed in three plastic bags, adding: “The suspect had arrived in the UAE on previous occasions but had never committed such a crime.

Picture Credit: CEN/@FCAUAE

“However, on this trip he brought in the illegal diamonds, which were purchased from the black market in an African country.”

The FCA added that they believe the suspect entered the UAE to find potential buyers for the raw diamonds.

The investigation continues.

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