ABU DHABI: The United Arab Emirates has successfully dismantled a major international drug trafficking syndicate worth over 3.3 million dirhams, arresting 13 individuals following a detailed month-long operation, officials announced.
The UAE’s National Drug Enforcement Authority, in collaboration with police forces from Dubai, Sharjah, and with assistance from Bahraini authorities, led the crackdown on the illicit network. The operation targeted suspects from multiple nationalities, including India, Pakistan, Iran, Egypt, and Sri Lanka.
Among those detained were four Indian nationals, four Iranians, two Pakistanis, and one individual each from Egypt and Sri Lanka. The investigation revealed that the drug network was orchestrated by an Asian trafficker based outside the UAE, who was later apprehended abroad with Bahraini support and extradited to face charges locally.
Authorities indicated that the overseas leader provided instructions to the local operatives for drug distribution within the country. During the raid, law enforcement officers confiscated over 56 kilograms of narcotics, more than 8,000 psychotropic pills, and a significant amount of electronic cigarettes containing hashish oil.
Officials emphasized that this operation is part of a broader initiative aimed at dismantling both domestic drug suppliers and international networks operating from abroad. They highlighted the importance of international cooperation in combating cross-border drug crime and maintaining security in the region.
