ABU DHABI // Police arrested 13 people and confiscated 54,000 narcotic pills and 3.25 kilograms of hashish in what they say was a major drug bust operation.
The operation was conducted after two months of constant surveillance of the 13 arrested, who police say are the country’s most prominent drug dealers.
“Through the highly coordinated and cooperative efforts by the concerned anti-narcotics departments at the police general headquarters throughout the UAE, a plan was established in order to capture these criminals one by one,” said Col Saeed Al Suwaidi, director general of the Ministry of Interior federal anti-narcotics department.
“They were arrested, and our forces seized the drugs and narcotic pills that were prepared to be distributed throughout the local markets.”
Anti-narcotics officers also foiled an attempt by two Asian nationals to smuggle clothes filled with narcotics to a punitive and correctional establishment, and all accomplices were arrested, Col Al Suwaidi said.
“There is no room for drugs in the UAE. The drug trade will never find a foothold here nor find a viable market,” he said.
His department introduced the Mukafih telephone service last June, on the number 800 444, aiming to promote awareness about the dangers of narcotics and help families detect drug abuse early. Callers can also receive advice on how to report drug-related crimes and suspected cases.
“Those wishing to seek help in getting rid of their addiction should call the phone service,” said Col Al Suwaidi.
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