DOHA: Qatar has arrested a man who tried to smuggle US$1.2 million (Dh4.4m) worth of diamonds and pearls into the country.
The state-run Qatar News Agency, quoting customs officials, reported that the incident took place on Tuesday at Hamad International Airport in the Qatari capital, Doha.
The agency said customs officers found seven diamond rings, three pearl necklaces and 43 pearls on the man when they pulled him aside for an inspection. Small sealed packages in his garments around his waist were discovered.
The suspicions of officials were aroused when the man wanted to bring one suitcase into the country with him and leave another behind for a transit trip, according to the report.
The man, who was not identified, has been referred to authorities for possible criminal charges.
The airport’s customs director Ajab Mansour Al Qahtani said that the customs department foils several smuggling attempts every day, which vary between drugs, jewelry and undeclared cash.
Passengers who possess items valued at more than QR3,000 (Dh3,024) are required to declare it to customs officials at the airport.
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