UAE: International drug smuggling network with 20 suspects dismantled in cooperation with Iraq - Sarmad

The UAE National Anti-Drug Authority, in cooperation with the General Command of Ras Al Khaimah Police and the Directorate General of Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Affairs at Iraq’s Ministry of Interior, and with judicial coordination with the Federal Public Prosecution, foiled an attempt to smuggle 200,000 Captagon tablets and more than 30 kilograms of narcotics into the UAE, and dismantled an international criminal network comprising 20 suspects of Gulf, Arab, African, and Asian nationalities.

The seized items, in addition to Captagon tablets, included various quantities of cocaine, crystal meth, marijuana, hashish, and Spice. The network had sought to introduce these substances through a border area in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, with the aim of distributing them within the country.

The operation began with the exchange of intelligence information between the competent authorities in the UAE and the Republic of Iraq, which revealed a plot by a multinational criminal network to smuggle large quantities of drugs into the country.

Based on this intelligence, the National Anti-Drug Authority, in collaboration with relevant entities, devised a precise security plan that led to the thwarting of the smuggling operation and the apprehension of several network members caught in possession of the narcotics and attempting to smuggle them. The remaining suspects were arrested inside the country through security ambushes carried out by specialized teams.

The National Anti-Drug Authority emphasized that the operation dealt a severe blow to drug smuggling and trafficking networks, stressing that there is no place for drug dealers on UAE soil, and that anyone attempting to undermine its security or endanger the safety of its society will find themselves in the grip of justice.

The Authority clarified that the success of the operation reflects the readiness and advanced capabilities of security agencies in surveillance, investigation, and tracking of criminal networks, and demonstrates the effectiveness of security and judicial cooperation and information sharing with regional partners in combating cross-border drug crimes.

The Authority reiterated its commitment to continuing its efforts to combat drugs and pursue smuggling and trafficking networks, calling on members of society to cooperate with competent authorities and report any suspicious activities, and affirming that partnership between the community and security agencies is a fundamental pillar in protecting society from the dangers of drugs.