UAE breaks up international drug network worth over Dh3 million, arrests 13 suspects

Abu Dhabi: Authorities in the United Arab Emirates said they have dismantled an international drug trafficking network valued at more than 3.3 million dirhams and taken 13 suspects into custody following an operation that lasted a month.

The UAE National Drug Enforcement Authority said the action was conducted in collaboration with Dubai Police and Sharjah Police, with coordination from Bahrain as part of the wider effort.

According to officials, those arrested included nationals of India, Pakistan, Iran, Egypt and Sri Lanka. The breakdown provided by authorities showed that four Indians and four Iranians were among the suspects, along with two Pakistanis, while one suspect each was from Egypt and Sri Lanka.

Authorities said the network was being directed by an Asian drug trafficker based outside the UAE. They said the alleged ringleader was arrested abroad with the assistance of Bahraini authorities and was then transferred to the UAE to stand trial.

Investigators found that members of the group were receiving directions from the overseas leader to distribute narcotics across the country, officials said. Authorities added that the network had been supplying drugs within the UAE.

Seizures made during operation

Officials said the operation led to the seizure of more than 56 kilogrammes of narcotics, over 8,000 psychotropic pills and a large number of electronic cigarettes containing hashish oil.

The authorities said the case forms part of a broader strategy aimed at pursuing both domestic drug dealers and criminal networks being run from outside the country.

They also said international coordination remains essential in confronting crimes that cross national borders.

The announcement outlined the scale of the operation and the multinational composition of the group, while underscoring the role of cooperation between UAE law enforcement agencies and Bahraini authorities in tracing and arresting the alleged network leader.

Officials did not provide further details in the statement on the identities of the suspects or the specific locations of the arrests, but said the month-long operation resulted in the breakup of the trafficking ring and the recovery of drugs and related items intended for distribution inside the UAE.

The case, according to the UAE National Drug Enforcement Authority, reflects ongoing efforts to disrupt organised narcotics trafficking operations and to target networks that operate across borders through local cells inside the country.