This article outlines 13 shocking ways that drugs have been smuggled into different countries. There are many types of drugs available in the world, each with different effects and strengths. Drugs can be divided into three categories depending on their effects on the body and their potential legal consequences if they are caught.
The highest penalty for Class A drugs, such as cocaine, is the most severe and they are also the most dangerous. Classes B drugs such as cannabis aren’t as potent and can be sentenced to a shorter term. Prescription tranquilizers, and steroids like Diazepam, are all considered to be Class C drugs.
Smugglers are finding new ways to get drugs across borders as the law gets tougher. Authorities have intercepted illegal drugs being transported in submarines, fruit shipments, and secret compartments. They also found doughnuts and other unusual methods. Below is a list of 13 shocking ways that drugs were smuggled into different countries.
1. Disguised as Fruit and Veget
Coconuts, limes, bananas, carrots, watermelons, and pineapples. Smugglers may attempt to smuggle drugs if the fruit can be opened and stuffed with drug packets.
Sometimes, real fruit is being used. For example, the 2,500 pounds of marijuana that was found in South Texas stuffed into carrots. In other cases, however, drug smugglers may have used fake watermelons to conceal a large shipment.
These methods are often detected by drug detector dogs or x-ray machines.
2. Secret Compartments in Cars and Other Vehicles
Smugglers have used vehicles for years to transport illegal drugs across borders. It is very likely that any suspicious vehicles, vans, or lorries will be searched.
Installing a secret compartment in the vehicle reduces the possibility of drugs being discovered. They can be hidden in the engine or the fuel tank, or disguised as part of the engine.
These hiding places are so well-hidden that you need to use a blow torch to get to them.
3. Hidden in the Smugglers Shoe
The sole of a shoe is a popular way to smuggle illegal substances. Illegal substances can be hidden in the shoes of smugglers while being walked through airports or other modes of transport.
Although the space is small, many drugs can be smuggled into footwear. However, most offenders are caught once they pass security.
4. Inside Sculptures
To move drugs from one country to the next, replicas of famous statues or deceptive garden sculptures were used. These statues, which are not like fruit or shoes, are often constructed around drugs and are broken when they are needed to be removed.
It is believed they are better protected because of this. After noticing anomalies within the interior structures of statues, x-ray machines were alerted to this kind of smuggling.
5. Dressed like a Nun
Another approach to smuggling is based heavily on public opinion about nuns, people who strongly believe in God and are prohibited from engaging in illegal activities. They would disguise themselves as nuns to carry drugs around and use the long habit to do so. In the hope of not being searched, they would attempt to board a plane or cross border borders.
6. Through Tunnels
Tunnels are one of the most fascinating methods for smuggling drugs. Tunnels can be used to transport illegal substances between countries with little risk of discovery. These tunnels can be adapted to accommodate trains and are equipped with electric lights.
To stop any further substance being brought through, border patrols are known to fill tunnels with cement, as in the case of Mexico.
7. Donuts topped with Cocaine
Some smugglers tried to use doughnuts as a way to get cocaine across border borders in a bizarre case. The doughnuts were real, but instead of coating them with powdered sugar they were coated in cocaine. This was demonstrated on San Andres Island, Colombia. Only 12 doughnuts contained 2.2 pounds of cocaine.
8. Frozen Sharks and Dead Fish Inside
Smugglers are known to stuff the bodies of dead animals with bags of narcotics in an attempt to avoid detection. They believed inspectors would be distracted by the strong smell and not pay attention to the contents.
9. Homemade Submarines
The smugglers must assemble submarines at the coast to transport drugs across the ocean. This is a terrifying way to smuggle drugs. These submarines are likely to cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, but it is worth the effort if a few packages make it over the border.
10. In a Puzzle Box
Sometimes, smugglers use puzzles and children’s games to cross borders.
Mixing pills such as ecstasy with puzzle pieces is an unusual way to smuggle drugs. The puzzle’s unassuming nature and rattle may conceal the drugs, but a simple inspection of the box by a dog or an xray machine would be enough to identify the drug.
11. Drones
Drones are much more common than ever, so it is only natural that smugglers would try to use this technology for illegal drug transport across borders.
Although there is a limit to how much drones can hold, many have been discovered after being laden with kilos of meth.
12. Catapults
The catapult is the most unusual method of drug smuggling that we know of. Catapults can be used to transport large amounts of drugs across borders that are closed off by fences and walls.
You can throw large quantities of drugs up to 100 meters. The smugglers will simply need someone to take the package to the other side.
13. Breast Implants
People who are paid to transport drugs across international borders are known as drug mules. You can hide drugs in clothing or bags or swallow a condom or balloon with illegal substances inside.
Some young women have been persuaded to travel across the border undetected with breast implants that contain liquid cocaine.
Which one of these Methods of Drug Smuggling was the Most Shocking to you?
You can see that there are many crazy methods people use to try and smuggle drugs into other countries. Illegal drugs can cause serious consequences for anyone who uses them. These substances can cause brain damage, seizures, strokes, financial stress, and even break down relationships with loved ones.
You or someone you know may be suffering from drug-related problems. Please seek professional help from your doctor, therapist or a charity. For more information, call the Frank drug helpline at 0300 123 6600.
This article should be considered informational only. It should not replace the advice of a lawyer or GP. If you require advice on drug use or smuggling, consult a professional. We cannot be held responsible for any damages.
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