The Public Prosecution in Dubai referred a Sri Lankan national to the Criminal Court, accusing him of offering a bribe to an inspector at Dubai Customs to pass a container containing the prohibited red sandalwood, Gulf Today reported.

The suspect offered Dhs 80,000 to the inspector to illegally allow the container to enter the country, the prosecution said.

According to the inspector, the suspect approached him and asked for his mobile number while he was on duty at Jebel Ali Port. The suspect informed him that he would give him Dhs 80,000 for completing the legal procedures of the container.

The inspector reported the incident to the department and he was asked to feign approval of the deal. An ambush was set where the suspect was caught in the act, Gulf Today said.

(With inputs from Gulf Today)