During a routine inspection of a flight from Suriname on September 20, Dutch customs authorities intercepted 2 kilograms of cocaine, concealed within the battery of a mobility scooter. A passenger traveling from Suriname to the Netherlands, along with their checked-in mobility scooter, was subjected to further examination.
Cocaine Battery
During the inspection, customs officers noticed traces of glue on the batteries of the mobility scooter. This unusual detail prompted them to open one of the batteries, where they immediately found a smaller battery and a package. Upon further investigation, the package was found to contain cocaine. Each battery contained approximately 1 kilogram of the drug, bringing the total to around 2 kilograms of cocaine.
The case has now been handed over to the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee for further investigation. The passenger, who holds a Dutch passport, was arrested at the scene.
This incident highlights a growing trend in the inventive ways drug smugglers attempt to transport illegal substances across borders. Concealing narcotics in seemingly innocuous objects like a mobility scooter is a tactic often used to evade detection, especially when the item is associated with someone who might not raise immediate suspicion.
The vigilance of Dutch customs officers is an essential part of the ongoing fight against international drug trafficking, particularly in flights originating from countries known for drug production and trafficking, such as Suriname. The Netherlands has become a key transit hub for drugs smuggled into Europe, with smugglers increasingly resorting to creative methods like hidden compartments, modified electronics, and now, even medical devices such as mobility scooters.
