Dubai Police to help arrest 308 international drug suspects by 2023 - News

Dubai Police helped arrest 308 drug-related international suspects and seized 2,259 tonnes of narcotics, including khat, cocaine, marijuana and heroin, along with 7.92 million narcotic pills in 2023, authorities said on Thursday.

Dubai Police’s General Anti-Narcotics Division also provided 372 drug-related files to 44 countries last year and blocked a total of 1,923 online accounts linked to drug dealers on various social media platforms.

“The arrest of dealers and the seizure of significant quantities of narcotics and psychotropic substances – reflect Dubai Police’s ongoing international efforts to combat drug trafficking through specialized teams, advanced artificial intelligence technologies and strong collaboration with law enforcement agencies across the world world,” said Major General Khalil Ibrahim Al Mansouri, Assistant Commander for Criminal Investigation Affairs.

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He added: “These efforts enhance community protection and safety and contribute to important achievements in the fight against crime in all its forms over the years.”

Brigadier General Khalid bin Muwaiza, Acting Director of the General Department of Anti-Narcotics, commented: “Over the past five years, Dubai Police has made significant progress in the global war on drugs, sharing 894 pieces of information with 66 countries, which has led to the arrest of 550 international suspects and the seizure of 29.45 tons of narcotics.”

He cited a specific case – Operation Sugar Cane – which resulted in the arrest of a key member of a major organized crime syndicate involved in smuggling cocaine between South America and Europe through sugar shipments. This operation led to the seizure of 22 tons of cocaine.

“There was also Operation Veyda which resulted in the dismantling of a crime syndicate involved in drug trafficking and money laundering. Operation Storm, meanwhile, led to the seizure of Captagon pills weighing more than 13 tonnes, he added.

Bin Muwaiza also pointed out that in addition to field operations, Dubai Police regularly conducts awareness campaigns through the Hemaya International Center “to sensitize the community on the scourges of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.”

“Last year, the center conducted 333 community awareness programs for students, while the center’s social media and educational programs benefited 13,096,344 individuals,” he continued.

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