Medicine smuggling attempt foiled by customs officials at Curacao airport

Customs officials have identified a passenger attempting to enter the country with a significant amount of medicines concealed in their baggage at an airport in Curaçao.

The passenger was caught during a recent inspection.

According to reports, Luthsel Lourens, the spokesperson for Curaçao customs, shared that the incident was notable not just because of the large amount of medicines, but also due to the manner in which they were hidden within various items.

Lourens pointed out that such concealment often indicates illicit activities. 

High-risk countries: The challenge of monitoring medicine imports

Reports are that the customs department has identified specific countries as potential sources for the illegal import of medicines and supplements over the years.

Lourens noted that it is not always possible to thoroughly inspect every flight deemed high-risk.

Collaboration with health inspection 

He shared, however, that the customs department collaborates closely with the Health Inspection to ensure compliance.

He further stressed that the airport’s arrival hall inspections are not limited to merely tax collection but have broader objectives. 

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