Drugs found hidden in toys in parcel; two men handed jail sentences

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Foil-wrapped bags of drugs hidden among children’s toys in a postal parcel have blown the lid off a trafficking set-up, ending with two men handed prison sentences of 15 and 10 years.

The High Criminal Appeals Court has put off the latest hearing to allow closing arguments and to appoint a lawyer for the second appellant.

It all began when a customs officer, stationed at the post, noticed something odd about a package.

When he opened it, he found toys. However, tucked between them, there were also bags clinging to sheets of foil.

Signal

The officer marked the parcel with an agreed signal and passed word to the Anti-Narcotics Directorate.

Not long after, the first man turned up to collect the box. He was taken in straight away.

Questioned by prosecutors, he admitted knowing what was inside and said he was collecting it for payment.

He named a second man, claiming he was tied up in drug sales with someone of Asian descent.

A captain in the drug squad looked into it and found the two were part of a group bringing narcotics into Bahrain.

Warrant of arrest

A warrant was issued, and the second man was picked up.

Lab tests showed the parcel contained marijuana.

The first man’s urine tested positive for morphine, methamphetamine and clonazepam.

The second’s sample came back showing methamphetamine.

Phone

When the first man’s phone was examined, investigators found photos of drugs and voice messages about selling them.

Prosecution later confirmed he had already served time on earlier drug charges.

He had been sentenced in a previous case for possession with intent to sell and use.