UAE tourist arrested after 5.56mm bullet found in Phuket luggage

A 35-year-old UAE tourist was arrested at Phuket International Airport on Tuesday, Nov 3, 2026, after security staff found one 5.56mm round in his checked luggage, according to a police report.

The bullet was detected at about 1pm during X-ray screening at the airport’s domestic terminal. Police from Sakhu Police Station searched the grey-black suitcase with the passenger’s consent and found no other ammunition. The tourist, identified in the report as Saif Husein Abdulla Husein Alkaabi, was due to fly with AirAsia to Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok.

Police informed Alkaabi that he was being charged with illegal possession of ammunition. The police report did not indicate that a firearm was found.