Dubai: Dubai Police have apprehended a gang of 15 individuals, comprising 10 men and five women, involved in the distribution of sweets infused with narcotic substances. Alongside the arrests, authorities confiscated 48 kilogrammes of narcotic materials and 1,174 pills, with an estimated value of AED 2,448,426, during an operation named ‘Drugs Flavor’.
According to Emirates News Agency, the details of the operation were disclosed at a press conference hosted by the General Department of Anti-Narcotics during the Anti-Drug Awareness Exhibition at Festival City Mall. The event aimed to educate the public about the methods employed by drug promoters and was attended by Brigadier Dr. Abdul Rahman Sharif Al Maamari, Director of the International Hemaya Center, Manal Ibrahim, Director of the Security Media Department, and several senior officers.
Brigadier Abdul Rahman Sharif Al Maamari stated that the arrests followed careful monitoring and surveillance by the General Department of Anti-Narcotics. The gang used social media platforms to distribute drugs, with seized items including ‘sweets and chewing gum’ containing narcotic and psychoactive substances. Brig. Al Maamari emphasized that the operation marked a major victory in the fight against crime, highlighting the use of advanced technologies and a skilled team by Dubai Police.
The operation was executed with professional precision, involving continuous surveillance until the decisive raid on the gang’s residence. Brig. Al Maamari noted that intelligence had identified a sophisticated criminal network operating from abroad, attempting to market drug-flavored sweets. A specialized task force was quickly assembled to tackle the issue, leading to the identification and arrest of the gang members.
The individuals have now been referred to the Public Prosecution for legal action. Manal Ibrahim highlighted the danger posed by the promotion of narcotics on social media, urging the public to stay vigilant and report suspicious messages through the e-Crime platform or the ‘Police Eye’ service. She stressed caution when buying sweets from social media, as some may contain illegal substances in the UAE.
Furthermore, Manal advised parents to obtain sweets for their children from trusted sources and to carefully review ingredients. She reaffirmed the commitment to public safety through ongoing media and educational campaigns.