UAE Busts International Drug Ring, Arrests 20 in Major Smuggling Crackdown
UAE authorities arrested 20 suspects from an international drug network and seized over 30kg of narcotics in a coordinated operation.
UAE security forces have dismantled an international drug trafficking network, arresting 20 individuals and confiscating more than 30 kilograms of narcotics along with 200,000 Captagon pills. The suspects hail from various Gulf, Arab, African, and Asian countries.
The National Anti-Narcotics Agency led the operation in collaboration with Ras Al Khaimah Police, Iraq's General Directorate for Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances, and the Federal Public Prosecution. The seized drugs included cocaine, crystal methamphetamine, marijuana, hashish, and spice.
This successful intervention resulted from intelligence exchanged between UAE and Iraqi authorities, which revealed the network's plan to smuggle drugs into the UAE via a border area in Ras Al Khaimah. The traffickers intended to distribute the narcotics across the country.
Following the intelligence, the National Anti-Narcotics Agency and its partners launched a coordinated security operation that prevented the smuggling attempt. Several suspects were apprehended while in possession of the drugs, and others were arrested during simultaneous raids nationwide.
The agency described the operation as a significant setback for drug trafficking networks, emphasizing the importance of security and judicial cooperation, intelligence sharing, and coordination with regional partners in combating cross-border crime.
It also reiterated its dedication to targeting drug trafficking organizations and encouraged the public to report any suspicious behavior to the authorities.
What this means for you
- Authorities have arrested 20 individuals involved in an international drug smuggling network operating in the UAE.
- A large quantity of drugs including Captagon pills, cocaine, and methamphetamine was seized, highlighting active drug trafficking threats.
- Residents are urged to report any suspicious activities related to drug trafficking to law enforcement.
- The operation involved cooperation between UAE and Iraqi authorities, demonstrating strong regional security efforts.