Expatriate Srilankan Smuggler Escapes Through Dubai Airport Window

Dubai banned import of the red sandalwood timber into the port on July 9, 2013, which is highly prized in China and can be used to make traditional medicine, facial products and soaps. A Srilankan Expatriate in the shipping business has imported a container load of sandal wood in Dubai, which is banned because of its endangered status. He knew very well that the container would be searched, so he contacted one of the port inspectors, an Emirati and offered bribe. The Inspector concerned promptly informed his director, who ask him to play along and pretend to help him. Srilankan expatriate has met the inspector and handed over customs document to release the container and a cheque of Dhs50, 000. But the inspector demanded Dhs80, 000 for which he agreed. While he was handing over papers and cheque for Dhs80, 000, Customs inspectors intercepted and arrested him. Immediately Dubai police was informed. In the meantime Srilankan expatriate wanted to go to the bathroom. He was allowed to go to the bathroom and he escaped from there through the window. By the time Police arrived, he has already escaped through the window.