Customs and aviation security experts have repeatedly warned about increasingly sophisticated tactics used by drug trafficking networks operating through air travel. One common method involves asking unsuspecting passengers to help carry or watch over personal belongings.

In reality, any traveler can become an unwitting victim of drug smuggling rings. This problem has been reported in many countries. The reasons often stem from a lack of awareness of basic airport security rules, or simply from a well-intentioned desire to help others.

In 2013, a Cambodian passenger named Hom Kosal was arrested for illegal transportation of narcotics. During the trial, Kosal stated that he had not personally hidden the 5 kilograms of drugs found in his suitcase, but had been deceived by acquaintances who asked him to transport the luggage on their behalf.

The issue has also sparked widespread discussion on online platforms such as Quora, where users debated whether it is safe to help strangers carry items at airports. Among the responses, a user named Kirsten Hart shared a memorable personal experience.

Kirsten recounted that she once had to wait at an airport for six hours due to a delayed flight. She was sitting alone in an area with phone charging stations, while the nearest passenger sat several seats away. That man was carrying a large box resembling a stringed musical instrument case.

While Kirsten was on the phone with her boyfriend, the man stood up and asked her to watch his belongings while he went to buy food. Although hesitant, she agreed to keep an eye on the items without touching them. The man then left.

Everything seemed normal—until Kirsten later stood in line to board the plane. At that moment, she noticed the same man being escorted away by two police officers. She later reflected that she was grateful for her caution, as she may have narrowly avoided being drawn into a dangerous trap.

According to experts from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), passengers should be extremely cautious when helping strangers at airports—especially near customs and security checkpoints. This warning applies regardless of whether the stranger is elderly, pregnant, or appears harmless, and even if the request involves something as minor as holding a bag, watching luggage, or carrying a bottle of water.

Security specialists explain that criminals now use highly sophisticated methods. Illegal substances may be hidden inside everyday items and passed to unsuspecting passengers traveling on the same flight. In some cases, criminals secretly place contraband into someone else’s bag and then ask them to watch over it. When the item is discovered, the innocent passenger often has no witnesses or evidence to prove their lack of involvement.

Previously, U.S. Customs authorities released a video illustrating these tactics. The footage showed a passenger unknowingly carrying a bottle of water for a stranger, unaware that it contained a large quantity of synthetic drugs. Criminals may hide prohibited substances in ordinary objects and ask others to carry them through customs under the excuse that their luggage is overweight.

For this reason, experts strongly advise travelers to follow basic security principles before passing through airport screening areas. Passengers should wait until those ahead have collected their belongings before placing their own items on the conveyor belt, ensure that the belt is moving smoothly, and check carefully that their belongings are not mixed with those of others.

A moment of kindness, if misplaced, can have life-altering consequences. Remaining cautious is not a lack of compassion—it is a matter of personal safety.

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