Travel scams: I think I was a drug mule

When I returned to NZ after working overseas (which was 20 years ago now), we had a stopover in Denpasar, Indonesia. I had been living in the Netherlands, and I had purchased a few Van Gogh prints before I left, which were rolled up inside a black tube. This, and my small daypack, were my cabin luggage on the plane. I also had a large backpack in stowed luggage.

On getting off the plane in Denpasar for our stopover, we were told that we had to take our luggage with us. I couldn't find my tube containing the prints in the overhead compartment on the plane, so had to leave it behind as we were pushed out the door by cabin crew.

I picked up my large backpack from the carousel and sat down outside the toilets in the transit lounge. Another backpacker came up to me and offered to watch my bag while I went to the toilet. I recognised him from the plane as he had previously tried to make conversation with me and was sitting a few rows back. I refused his offer to watch my bag as I was aware of stories where people had been planted with drugs. Anyway, I didn't want a random man holding my bag.

We got back on the plane bound for Auckland, and I miraculously found my tube of prints back in the overhead compartment. It was very odd, and if I hadn't been so exhausted, I might have been more suspicious.

I got through NZ customs with nothing eventful occurring and into my aunt's loving arms. She walked me over to domestic flights, and I went to use the toilet. My aunt stayed with the trolley while I was using the facilities. I looked again at the trolley and realised the tube had gone.

My connecting flight was due, but I had the dawning realisation that I probably had been used to carry contraband. I looked around for a policeman or security, and couldn't find anyone nearby, plus I needed to get on the plane.

So, I got on the plane and headed off to my home in regional NZ. I guess we all have a story to carry with us about our travel adventures. This is mine, and I'm glad it stopped where it did. I'm still disappointed about the loss of my prints though.

Stuff.co.nz

The writer wishes to remain anonymous

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