On Tuesday, Dubai Customs intercepted 5.6 kilograms of cocaine from an inbound visitor at Dubai International Airport, according to Emirates News Agency (WAM).

Customs officials apprehended the inbound female traveller from a Latin American country at the terminal’s checkpoint after her luggage was highlighted for a regular x-ray scan, which revealed an abnormal density at the bottom of her suitcase.

Inspection authorities then approached the woman and asked for her passport to verify her identity.

She said she had nothing to disclose in her suitcase, but when Dubai Customs investigated it, they discovered a hidden compartment filled with black plastic sacks coated in clear glue within the inner lining. These sacks contained 3.2 kilograms of white powder, which was ultimately identified as cocaine after further investigation.

They discovered another 2,473 grams of cocaine hidden in bottles of shampoo and other body care goods after additional investigation.

“The UAE is a global paradigm to emulate in combating illicit drug trafficking and protecting society from their hazards,” Ibrahim Kamali, director of the Passenger Operations Department, told WAM.

He went on to say that the authority has been working hard to improve its ability to detect and seize all dangerous chemicals before they reach other individuals.

“Despite the ingenious methods used by certain passengers to conceal forbidden materials, our highly skilled inspectors and sophisticated technologies can effectively intercept smuggling attempts,” he said.