Dubai Police have successfully dismantled a criminal gang that was promoting and selling drug-laced sweets and chewing gum online, arresting 15 individuals and seising 48kg of narcotic substances and more than 1,100 pills, with a street value exceeding Dhs 2.4 million.
The arrests were announced at the Anti-Drug Awareness Exhibition held at Festival City Mall. The operation led to the apprehension of ten men and five women, all of whom were using social media platforms to market narcotic-infused edibles.
Offiicals said that the gang was linked to an international network attempting to target the UAE market by disguising drugs in consumer-friendly packaging. Dubai Police's Hemaya International Centre praised the role of AI-driven surveillance and Dubai Police’s anti-narcotics team in ensuring the operation’s success.
The suspects have now been referred to Public Prosecution Dubai for legal action. Officials called on the public to stay alert, especially on social media, and to avoid purchasing unknown or unverified products online, while also reminding residents to report suspicious online activity through the e-Crime platform or the 'Police Eye' feature on the Dubai Police app or website.