The International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) has announced the dismantling of a human trafficking and drug smuggling network that allegedly forced a victim to swallow drug-filled capsules for international trafficking.
According to INTERPOL, the case began in June after Zimbabwean police alerted their counterparts in Oman and the agency about a victim who had been lured to Oman with the promise of employment.
The International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) has announced the dismantling of a human trafficking and drug smuggling network that allegedly forced a victim to swallow drug-filled capsules for international trafficking.
In a statement shared on its official X account on Tuesday, INTERPOL said the operation was made possible through collaboration between law enforcement authorities in Oman and Zimbabwe, with support from the international policing organisation.
According to INTERPOL, the case began in June after Zimbabwean police alerted their counterparts in Oman and the agency about a victim who had been lured to Oman with the promise of employment.
The organisation said the victim was intercepted by members of a criminal network during a layover and forced to swallow capsules filled with 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.
It added, “In June, police in Zimbabwe alerted their international counterparts and INTERPOL about a case involving a victim lured to Oman under the pretense of employment.”
According to the agency, “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 a rapid investigation by Omani authorities, carried out with its support, led to the arrest of four suspects, the seizure of the illicit 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.
Alongside the announcement, INTERPOL shared an X-ray image showing dozens of capsules inside the body of one of the drug mules linked to the trafficking ring, illustrating the methods allegedly used by the criminal network to smuggle narcotics across international borders.
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