A suspected witch doctor has been arrested at an airport with a monkey’s hand, a live snake, and other alleged black magic materials.
Customs officials noticed a suspicious-looking traveller and carried out an inspection.
While going through his belongings, officials found a live snake in a plastic container hidden among his clothes.
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They went on to find a monkey’s hand, a dead bird, written spells, amulets, and eggs wrapped in cotton.
The items are believed to have been intended for black magic practices.
Officials at Dubai International Airport in the UAE placed the African traveller under arrest.
His belongings were seized and sent to the Islamic Affairs & Charitable Activities Department in Dubai for analysis.
The department confirmed the items are commonly used in sorcery and witchcraft.
Khaled Ahmed, director of the Passenger Operations Department at the airport, said: “We at Dubai Customs are aware of the danger of these materials used in acts of magic, quackery, and tampering with people’s minds.
“The department provides all types of training and educational courses to educate inspectors about these materials and their different types and forms.
“Especially since smugglers often resort to new, innovative methods to mislead customs authorities.”
Ahmed said commonly seized materials include animal skins, books about rituals, talismans, rosaries, rings, powders, fish bones, and dolls – sometimes containing blood or other liquids.
The investigation continues.
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