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Zimbabwe, INTERPOL busts drug trafficking ring after Zimbabwe-Oman operation
2 hrs ago |
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THE International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) says a human trafficking and drug smuggling syndicate that allegedly forced a victim to swallow drug-filled capsules for international trafficking has been dismantled following a joint operation involving authorities in Zimbabwe and Oman.
In a statement posted on its official X account on Tuesday, INTERPOL said the breakthrough was achieved through close cooperation between Zimbabwe Republic Police, Omani law enforcement agencies and the international policing body.
According to INTERPOL, the investigation began in June after Zimbabwean police alerted their counterparts in Oman and the organisation about a suspected human trafficking case involving a victim who had been lured to Oman with promises of employment.
The agency said the victim was intercepted by members of a criminal network during a layover and allegedly forced to swallow capsules containing illicit drugs before continuing the journey.
"A human trafficking ring that forced a victim to swallow drugs to smuggle them internationally has been dismantled thanks to the collaboration of authorities in Oman and Zimbabwe," INTERPOL said.
The organisation added that the victim was compelled to transport the narcotics before being forced to expel them upon arrival.
"During a layover, the victim was intercepted by members of a criminal network and forced to swallow drug-filled capsules for the onward journey. Upon arrival, the victim was made to expel the drugs, which were destined for distribution in the region," INTERPOL said.
INTERPOL said a rapid investigation by Omani authorities, supported by the organisation, resulted in the arrest of four suspects, the seizure of the drugs and the rescue of the victim.
"A swift investigation in Oman, with support from INTERPOL, led to the arrest of four individuals, the seizure of drugs and the rescue of the victim," the organisation said.
To illustrate the methods allegedly employed by the trafficking syndicate, INTERPOL also released an X-ray image showing dozens of capsules concealed inside the body of a suspected drug mule.
The case highlights the growing importance of international cooperation in combating transnational organised crime, particularly human trafficking and drug smuggling networks that exploit vulnerable people by luring them abroad with false promises of employment before coercing them into criminal activities.
In a statement posted on its official X account on Tuesday, INTERPOL said the breakthrough was achieved through close cooperation between Zimbabwe Republic Police, Omani law enforcement agencies and the international policing body.
According to INTERPOL, the investigation began in June after Zimbabwean police alerted their counterparts in Oman and the organisation about a suspected human trafficking case involving a victim who had been lured to Oman with promises of employment.
The agency said the victim was intercepted by members of a criminal network during a layover and allegedly forced to swallow capsules containing illicit drugs before continuing the journey.
"A human trafficking ring that forced a victim to swallow drugs to smuggle them internationally has been dismantled thanks to the collaboration of authorities in Oman and Zimbabwe," INTERPOL said.
"During a layover, the victim was intercepted by members of a criminal network and forced to swallow drug-filled capsules for the onward journey. Upon arrival, the victim was made to expel the drugs, which were destined for distribution in the region," INTERPOL said.
INTERPOL said a rapid investigation by Omani authorities, supported by the organisation, resulted in the arrest of four suspects, the seizure of the drugs and the rescue of the victim.
"A swift investigation in Oman, with support from INTERPOL, led to the arrest of four individuals, the seizure of drugs and the rescue of the victim," the organisation said.
To illustrate the methods allegedly employed by the trafficking syndicate, INTERPOL also released an X-ray image showing dozens of capsules concealed inside the body of a suspected drug mule.
The case highlights the growing importance of international cooperation in combating transnational organised crime, particularly human trafficking and drug smuggling networks that exploit vulnerable people by luring them abroad with false promises of employment before coercing them into criminal activities.
Source - Sahara
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