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A top official has warned the public about a rise in drug dealers using the dead drop method to traffic in illicit substances in Bahrain.
Authorities are urging citizens to report any suspicious activities that involve drugs or substances that look like drugs – but only after ensuring their own safety.
Speaking on the Interior Ministry’s Al Aman show on social media, head of Hidd Police Station Colonel Dr Osama Bahar explained the increasing popularity of the dead drop method.
“It is a decade-old criminal tactic that relies on eliminating the idea of direct contact between the dealer and the user,” he said.
“Instead of handing you the substances, they deliver them to you in a deserted or sometimes less frequented location.
“Technology is used to determine the location of the drugs, the time and transfer of the proceeds.
“If you see a person or group of people searching or digging in an unusual place, it is likely that this person is either a dealer or possibly a user looking for the substances.”
A dead drop is a secure method used in espionage and related activities where one person leaves an item or information (like a message or a physical object) for another at a prearranged, secret location.
This avoids direct contact between the two individuals. The term ‘dead drop’ specifically refers to this method of indirect exchange, as opposed to a ‘live drop’ which would involve a face-to-face meeting.
Earlier this month, an expatriate – a 33-year-old Pakistani national – was sentenced to 10 years in prison for dealing in multiple drugs including hashish, synthetic cannabinoids and methamphetamine, known locally as shabu, using the dead drop method.
Similarly, a 39-year-old male psychiatric nurse who supplied cannabis and meth to a patient struggling with severe alcoholism was sentenced to three years in prison after he was caught picking up drugs from dead drop locations on Budaiya Highway to pass on to other patients, including the victim.
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Col Dr Bahar
Col Dr Bahar has some advice on what to do in case a citizen or resident comes across somebody dealing in drugs using such methods.
He encouraged citizens and residents to only intervene in a way that protects themselves, their families and the community.
He also praised the people of Bahrain for co-operating with the authorities and filing reports which have made the country safer.
“Your role as a member of the Bahraini community is to protect this country,” he said.
“If you see someone storing drugs or substances that look like them, start by securing yourself in a location that nobody would notice you.
“Then contact the Anti-Narcotics Directorate by calling 996, and give them all relevant information, such as the car’s licence plate number, address or location, the appearance of the individuals involved, and, if possible, send some clear photos.
We have received multiple such calls in the past, and as a result, we were able to raid dens and arrest individuals and groups whose only concern is to harm our children and the country.
“That is not strange to the people of Bahrain, who are always willing to go to distance for their country.
“In return, we promise you complete confidentiality and anonymity to protect your identity and your family.”
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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