Smuggler caught with gold, diamonds worth QR4.4m at HIA

The General Authority of Customs recently caught a traveller who tried to smuggle 53 pieces of pearls and diamonds weighing about 1kg into the country through Hamad International Airport (HIA). 

The authority said in a statement that the traveller had two bags and was asked to enter the country with one and transfer the other on a transit trip. 

The Peninsula reports that during proceedings, an inspector became suspicious and transferred the traveller to a specialized inspector, who found small packets wrapped around his waist under his clothes. The packets contained seven diamond rings, three pearl necklaces and 43 pieces of natural pearls, together worth about QR4.4m ($1.2m). 

Ahmed bin Ali Al Mohannadi, General Director of the General Administration of Customs, honoured the inspector who caught the traveller. He also stressed the importance of constant efforts to prevent any smuggler trying to harm to society.

Ajab Mansour Al Qahtani, Director of Customs, HIA, said every day the Customs Department conducts several busts involving drugs, jewelry and undeclared cash. The traveller was referred to security authorities for legal action.