The National Anti-Narcotics Agency, in cooperation with the General Command of Ras Al Khaimah Police, the General Directorate of Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Affairs at the Iraqi Ministry of Interior, and in judicial coordination with the Federal Public Prosecution, has thwarted an attempt to smuggle 200,000 Captagon tablets and over 30 kilograms of narcotics into the country. Authorities apprehended an international criminal network comprising 20 defendants of Gulf, Arab, African, and Asian nationalities.
In addition to the Captagon pills, the seized items included various quantities of cocaine, crystal meth, marijuana, hashish, and Spice. The network was attempting to smuggle these substances into the country through a border area in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, in preparation for local distribution.
The operation began with an exchange of intelligence between competent authorities in the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Iraq. The information revealed a plan by a multinational criminal network to smuggle large quantities of drugs into the country.
Following the intelligence, the National Anti-Narcotics Agency, in cooperation with relevant authorities, developed a well-structured security plan. This led to thwarting the smuggling operation and arresting several network members caught red-handed with the narcotics. The remaining suspects were apprehended inside the country through ambushes executed by security teams.
The National Anti-Narcotics Agency confirmed that the operation dealt a strong blow to drug smuggling and trafficking networks. It stressed that there is no place for merchants of death in the UAE, and that anyone attempting to tamper with its security or endanger public safety will face justice.
The agency explained that the success of the operation reflects the readiness and advanced capabilities of the security services in monitoring, investigating, and tracking criminal networks. It also embodies the effectiveness of security and judicial cooperation, alongside information sharing with regional partners to combat cross-border drug crime.
Reiterating its commitment to combating drugs and pursuing smuggling and trafficking networks, the agency called on members of the public to cooperate with competent authorities by reporting any suspicious activities. It emphasized that partnership between the community and security agencies represents a fundamental pillar in protecting society from the dangers of drugs.
Source: Emirates 24|7