Doha: Abu Samra Customs Department has seized 7,125 packets of a medicine Tramadol, whose sale is controlled in Qatar, a local Arabic newspaper reported yesterday.
Tramadol is a narcotic-like painkiller and can only be prescribed by authorised health institutions in Qatar and private pharmacies are not allowed to sell them.
The sale of the painkiller that treats moderate and severe pain is banned in several countries as it is found to be highly addictive. The man who caught trying to smuggle the drug from a neighbouring Arab country was identified as an ‘Arab expatriate’ by the daily.
The alleged suspect also tried to commit suicide after the customs officials caught him. He used a ‘sharp object’ to hurt himself seriously but security officers intervened and rushed to provide him with first-aid. The man was then immediately transferred to hospital for further treatment.
Investigations will begin once the alleged smuggler recovers from his injuries.
