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‘Brighten Your Christmas’ Drugs Seized in Dubai | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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DUBAI (AFP) – Dubai customs said on Sunday it has seized marijuana and cocaine smuggled in Christmas cards bearing the message, “This brings a special wish your way to brighten up your Christmas day.”

“Dubai customs inspectors at (the) general post office foiled a bid to smuggle 1,751 grams (3.86 pounds) of marijuana and cocaine into the United Arab Emirates… hidden cunningly inside parcels containing Christmas cards,” the department said in a statement.

The cards were “coming from one Asian country and heading towards another Asian country via Dubai”, according to the statement.

Dubai customs occasionally announces drug seizures in the emirate where narcotic use is strictly prohibited.

Drug trafficking carries the death penalty in the United Arab Emirates, but the sentence is usually commuted to life in prison.