Woman cleared after naming suspect in airport drugs case

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

A 23-year-old Asian woman was arrested on arrival at Bahrain International Airport after customs officers found narcotics hidden in her luggage.

The bag contained a crystal-like substance tucked into a false bottom, material later suspected to be methamphetamine.

The woman denied any knowledge of the contents, saying her stepmother had packed the suitcase while she was out at a beauty parlour.

She claimed she had travelled to meet a man she believed was her fiance.

In court she pointed the finger at a second person, a man she said had organised her travel arrangements.

Warrant of arrest

Following her statement, prosecutors issued a warrant for his arrest and he was caught trying to leave the country.

The High Criminal Court dropped the drug dealing charge against the woman.

She was instead treated as a witness, while the man was found guilty.

He was sentenced to five years in prison, fined BD3,000 and will be deported after serving his time.

The court also ordered the destruction of the confiscated material.

Suitcase

A customs officer told the court that the suitcase had drawn attention during routine baggage checks.

After spotting something unusual in the scan, he flagged the item for inspection.

The passenger made her way through the green channel but was redirected. Inside the bag the officer found the hidden stash.