Airport smuggling interceptions in South and Southeast Asia

Customs authorities in several South and Southeast Asian nations have intercepted various forms of contraband at international airports.

In mid-September, officials in Bangladesh detained passengers arriving from Dubai, Malaysia, and Guangzhou, seizing cigarettes, vapes, and mobile phone displays. Simultaneously, Sri Lankan authorities intercepted a passenger at Bandaranaike International Airport who attempted to use body cavity concealment to smuggle items from Uganda.

By late September, enforcement actions shifted toward narcotics. In the Philippines, customs officials at Ninoy Aquino International Airport seized approximately 18,679 grams of suspected high-grade marijuana, valued at an estimated P18.679 million, which had been disguised as foodstuff. In the Maldives, authorities at Gan International Airport intercepted 3,345 grams of cannabis in the luggage of passengers arriving from India.

Recent reports indicate expanded narcotics operations in the region. In Sri Lanka, authorities conducted a raid in Piliyandala, arresting three suspects with over 17 kilograms of heroin and ‘ICE’ narcotics. This followed a separate large-scale interception of 44 kilograms of hashish and 13 kilograms of cocaine destined for the country. In the Philippines, the Bureau of Customs confirmed the seizure of suspected high-grade marijuana, or ‘kush,’ from three passengers arriving from Bangkok. In the Maldives, the interception of cannabis led to the arrest of two Indian nationals and one Maldivian citizen.