(MENAFN- Khaleej Times)

What appeared to be an ordinary package of A4 printing sheets turned out to be a sophisticated attempt to smuggle synthetic drugs into the country, leading to the arrest and conviction of a Gulf national in Dubai.

Dubai Criminal Court has sentenced the man to three months in jail for drug consumption while acquitting him of importing narcotics after investigations revealed he did not personally arrange the shipment.

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The case dates back to April 2025, when a Dubai Customs inspector grew suspicious of a small parcel containing 22 sheets of paper. The shipment, declared as regular office supplies, showed unusual characteristics upon inspection. The inspector alerted Dubai Police, who instructed that the recipient be called to collect the package.

The man was arrested immediately upon arrival. A second suspect, an African national who came to pick up the parcel, told investigators that he was asked to use his Emirates ID to receive what he was told were“work documents” on behalf of the Gulf national. He claimed he was offered Dh5,000 for the favour and came only after receiving a call on the day of delivery.

Further investigation by Dubai Police's Anti-Narcotics Department revealed that the African suspect was, in fact, a known drug dealer and had previously sold prohibited substances to the Gulf national. Laboratory tests confirmed that the seized paper sheets were infused with a controlled synthetic substance, a smuggling technique that has been growing in popularity worldwide due to its discreet nature.

The Gulf national denied ordering any parcel from outside the UAE or having any connection to the shipment. However, a forensic examination detected traces of narcotics in his system, leading to the consumption charge.

Court documents show that prosecutors could not establish beyond doubt that the defendant was responsible for importing the drug-soaked papers, resulting in his acquittal on that count. The African suspect remains under separate investigation for trafficking.

Authorities have repeatedly warned about the emerging trend of smuggling narcotics through everyday items, including clothing, snack packages, and even paper products, urging residents to remain cautious and avoid receiving parcels on behalf of unknown individuals.

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