Dubai Police to the rescue: Dhs1.1m diamonds returned after bag mix-up at airport

Image credit: Dubai Police/Website

Dubai Police successfully recovered and returned a valuable jewellery bag belonging to a UAE resident in a coordinated effort with Bangladeshi authorities and the UAE Embassy in Dhaka. The jeweller, who lives in Dubai, was attending a jewellery exhibition in a GCC country when the mix-up occurred.

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The jeweller had four bags containing precious diamond pieces valued at around Dhs1.1m. Upon arrival at his destination, he was shocked to discover that one of the bags he was carrying was not his. Realizing the error, he returned to the UAE immediately and filed a report with the General Department of Airport Security, a Dubai Police Media report said.

How the mix-up happened

A specialised investigation team quickly uncovered that a Bangladeshi traveller had mistakenly taken the jeweller’s bag during security checks, confusing it for his own due to the bags’ striking similarity. Meanwhile, the jeweller had unknowingly taken the other traveller’s bag. The Bangladeshi traveller had already flown back to Bangladesh by then.

Dubai Police promptly initiated legal and administrative procedures and coordinated directly with the UAE Embassy in Dhaka and Bangladeshi authorities. Thanks to this collaboration, the jewellery bag was located and safely returned to its rightful owner in the UAE.

Recognition of collaborative efforts

Dubai Police expressed sincere appreciation for the role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, UAE Ambassador to Bangladesh Abdulla Ali Abdulla Al Hamoudi, and his team, who facilitated all necessary procedures. Dubai Police also praised the strong partnership with Bangladeshi authorities, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in law enforcement to ensure justice, protect rights, and promote community safety.

The jeweller expressed heartfelt thanks to Dubai Police for their swift and professional handling of the case. “I truly don’t know how to find the words to express my appreciation,” he said. “Your remarkable attention to detail and sincere commitment to making people happy are beyond commendable.”

Extradition of Two International Fugitives

Dubai Police continue to demonstrate their effectiveness in combating international crime and drug-related offenses, with two major operations carried out this month.

On July 25, Dubai Police handed over two internationally wanted individuals to French authorities. The suspects were linked to transnational organised crimes, including attempted fraud, narcotics trafficking, and the distribution of psychotropic substances, a WAM report said.

The arrests were made following the issuance of international red notices, with the suspects listed on the wanted lists of INTERPOL and the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol).

Dubai Police confirmed that the handover was coordinated through the UAE Ministry of Interior and Dubai Public Prosecution, ensuring all required legal and judicial procedures were followed.

This development follows the receipt of international arrest warrants by the International Cooperation Department at the UAE Ministry of Justice, which acts as the central authority for such extradition requests.

With this latest handover, the number of suspects extradited to France by Dubai Police in 2025 now stands at ten. The individuals were wanted for serious international crimes including murder, running criminal organisations, money laundering, armed robbery, and drug trafficking.

‘Drugs Flavor’ Operation Nets 15 Suspects

Earlier this month, on July 2, Dubai Police arrested a gang of 15 individuals—10 men and five women—accused of promoting sweets infused with narcotic substances.

The anti-drug operation, code-named ‘Drugs Flavor’, also resulted in the seizure of 48 kilograms of narcotic materials and 1,174 pills, with an estimated street value of AED 2,448,426.