UAE, Bahrain dismantle crossborder drug trafficking network

TDT | Manama

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The United Arab Emirates announced that, in a joint operation with Dubai Police, Sharjah Police and Bahraini authorities, it dismantled a transnational drug trafficking network, resulting in the arrest of 13 suspects of Asian and African nationalities.

The UAE National Anti-Narcotics Agency said the monthlong operation targeted an organised criminal group led by an Asian trafficker operating from outside the country, who was responsible for directing the distribution of narcotics inside the UAE. In coordination with Bahraini security services, authorities said they had arrested the group’s leader outside the UAE and transferred him to Emirati custody to face legal proceedings.

The operation followed extensive surveillance and field monitoring, during which investigators tracked suspects’ movements and communications. Authorities said evidence showed the network was receiving instructions from abroad to distribute drugs across multiple locations in the UAE.

Officials said the seizure included 56.6 kilograms of narcotics, 8,159 psychotropic tablets, and a large quantity of electronic cigarettes containing hashish oil. The total estimated value of the confiscated substances was around 3.3 million dirhams (approximately $900,000).

The agency said the operation reflected the UAE’s strategy to dismantle trafficking networks by targeting not only local distributors but also key external figures directing criminal operations.