Dubai Police arrest 14, seize 2.3 tons of drugs worth $31 million

Dubai Police have arrested 14 Asian suspects and seized 2,323 kilograms of narcotic pills and psychotropic substances in a drug bust, Gulf News reported.

The haul has an estimated value of Dh115,191,233, equivalent to about $31.4 million. Investigators said the group was linked to a criminal network operating outside the country..

What happened in the Dubai Police drug bust?

Police broke up an organized drug ring that planned to distribute a large shipment of drugs inside the UAE. The pills and psychotropic substances were hidden in 113 cartons. All 14 suspects were detained in a coordinated raid.

The seizure included commonly abused prescription drugs such as Xanax, Tramadol and Lyrica. Police also recovered Alcon Mydriacyl eye drops, crystal meth, marijuana and paper soaked in various narcotic substances.

How did Dubai Police start the investigation?

The General Department of Anti-Narcotics received a tip that a gang was preparing to distribute a large shipment of drugs inside the UAE. Specialist teams verified the information and put the suspects under close watch.

Officers tracked the suspects' movements and worked out the role each person played. As surveillance continued, they pieced together the full scope of the operation.

This allowed them to pick the right moment for a coordinated raid. All suspects could be detained at the same time, and none would slip away.

How were the 14 suspects arrested?

Dubai Police drew up a detailed security plan that ranked each target by priority. Teams then moved in and detained the suspects one after another until all 14 were in custody.

The drugs were confiscated and secured. Police completed the necessary legal procedures.

What drugs were found in the 113 cartons?

The pills and psychotropic substances had been concealed in 113 cartons. Officers also recovered crystal meth, marijuana and drug-laced paper.

Police said this showed the wide range of substances the gang planned to sell across the country.

Questioning confirmed the suspects' ties to the overseas crime network. Legal action has been taken against them, and they are being prepared for referral to the relevant judicial authorities.

What will Dubai Police do next on drug trafficking?

Dubai Police said they will keep up their fight against drugs and the criminal groups that threaten public safety. The force said protecting the community, and young people in particular, from the harm caused by narcotics remains a top security priority.

Authorities will continue to track down dealers and promoters, police said. They will deal firmly with anyone who puts society at risk.