ABU DHABI // More than two tonnes of the banned tobacco-based drug niswar were seized by police and municipality officers during a raid at a farm in Samha.
Raw materials and processing equipment, including blenders and shredders used to process the drug, were found at the makeshift lab, allegedly run by 17 Asians.
“This has been taken to crack down on illegal activities threatening community health,” said Ali Musabbah Al Kaabi, head of the Health Activities Control Section at Abu Dhabi Municipality.
“It illustrates the keenness of Abu Dhabi City Municipality on public health and safety.”
Mr Al Kaabi said niswar can pose a serious health risk.
“The chemicals used in the processing of niswar render it dangerous and poisonous,” he said.
He called on members of the public to report any suspicious activity.
“These practices, which are contrary to the public health and hygiene stipulations, constitute a serious threat to the safety of individuals as they are practised in an unlicensed manner and contradict the values of the UAE community,” he said.
In March, two Pakistani men were each sentenced to 25 years in prison after attempting to smuggle large quantities of niswar and tramadol into the UAE.
ksinclair@thenational.ae
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The Pope's itinerary
Sunday, February 3, 2019 - Rome to Abu Dhabi
1pm: departure by plane from Rome / Fiumicino to Abu Dhabi
10pm: arrival at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
Monday, February 4
12pm: welcome ceremony at the main entrance of the Presidential Palace
12.20pm: visit Abu Dhabi Crown Prince at Presidential Palace
5pm: private meeting with Muslim Council of Elders at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
6.10pm: Inter-religious in the Founder's Memorial
Tuesday, February 5 - Abu Dhabi to Rome
9.15am: private visit to undisclosed cathedral
10.30am: public mass at Zayed Sports City – with a homily by Pope Francis
12.40pm: farewell at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
1pm: departure by plane to Rome
5pm: arrival at the Rome / Ciampino International Airport
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo
Power: 247hp at 6,500rpm
Torque: 370Nm from 1,500-3,500rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 7.8L/100km
Price: from Dh94,900
On sale: now
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Almnssa
Started: August 2020
Founder: Areej Selmi
Based: Gaza
Sectors: Internet, e-commerce
Investments: Grants/private funding
More on animal trafficking
Profile of Bitex UAE
Date of launch: November 2018
Founder: Monark Modi
Based: Business Bay, Dubai
Sector: Financial services
Size: Eight employees
Investors: Self-funded to date with $1m of personal savings