Two travellers detained after 1,200-item black-magic bust

DUBAI // Two men are in custody after customs officials seized animal bones, blood vials, sorcery incantations and other illegal black-magic paraphernalia at Dubai International Airport. The 1,200 items were found in the baggage of the two Asian men arriving at Terminal 3 after a scan aroused the suspicion of inspectors. "The two men were suspected when their bags passed through the internal-inspection machines. Consequently, they were put under surveillance until their arrival at the customs inspection area and the bags were searched manually," said Ali Al Meghawi, the director of airport operations at Dubai Customs. The men were handed over to Dubai Police along with the confiscated items. The haul is the 16th at the airport since January related to witchcraft and sorcery. "This seizure was the largest this year," Mr Al Meghawi said. "The practices of witchery and sorcery are a dangerous phenomenon threatening the security of the community by manipulating minds of people through exploiting their needs. "Allowing these items will jeopardise the security and safety of the community." Dubai Customs provides special training and cultural courses to educate inspectors and increase their awareness about such items.