Be Careful — One Act at the Airport Could Ruin Your Life

Customs experts have repeatedly warned about the sophisticated tricks of drug traffickers, who exploit air passengers by hiding contraband under the pretense of asking for “a small favor.”

The truth is, any passenger could become an unknowing victim of these criminal networks. This problem has appeared in many countries, often because travelers don’t fully understand the basic rules, or simply because of a moment of kindness and willingness to help.

Back in 2013, a Cambodian passenger named Hom Kosal was arrested and charged with “illegal drug trafficking.” At his trial, Kosal testified that he never personally concealed the 5 kilograms of drugs found in his luggage. Instead, he had been tricked into transporting them by “acquaintances” who asked him for help.

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A Close Call Shared Online

On the social media platform Quora, one user asked whether it’s safe to carry items for strangers at the airport. The thread sparked intense discussion, including a chilling personal account from a traveler named Kirsten Hart.

Kirsten recalled an incident when she had a six-hour layover at an airport. She sat in a quiet seating area near a charging station, with very few people around. A man sitting about 6–10 seats away had a large box with him, which looked like a musical instrument case.

While she was on the phone with her boyfriend, the man approached and politely asked if she could watch his belongings while he went to buy food. Kirsten hesitated but eventually agreed to stay seated and “keep an eye” on the box without touching it.

Later, as she lined up to board her plane, she noticed the same man being escorted away by two police officers. At that moment, she silently thanked herself for not agreeing to handle his luggage, realizing how easily she could have fallen into a trap.

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Why You Should Never Agree to Carry Items for Strangers

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), passengers should be extremely cautious when approached by strangers at airports. Even if the request comes from an elderly person or a pregnant woman, you should never agree to hold or carry their belongings — whether it’s luggage, a water bottle, or even something that looks harmless.

Criminals today use very sophisticated methods. Drugs or other banned substances can be hidden inside ordinary-looking objects, then passed off to unsuspecting travelers. In some cases, offenders even slip items into your bag and ask you to “watch it” for a while. If the contraband is discovered later, and no one else is there to testify, you could be held responsible.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection has previously released videos illustrating these tricks. In one example, a traveler unknowingly carried a stranger’s water bottle, unaware that it contained a large quantity of synthetic drugs. Criminals often justify the request by saying their luggage is overweight or that they simply need a hand.

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Expert Safety Advice

Before stepping through airport security checkpoints, experts recommend keeping these rules in mind:

• Never handle or carry items for strangers, no matter how convincing or sympathetic their request may seem.

• Watch the conveyor belt carefully at security screening. Wait until the person in front has collected all their belongings before placing yours on the belt.

• Make sure the belt continues to run smoothly so your luggage doesn’t get mixed up with someone else’s.

A few seconds of caution could save you from years of devastating consequences.