Dubai Police have arrested 15 people for attempting to smuggle 50kg of drugs hidden inside sweet boxes. The gang used candy packaging to disguise the narcotics, but authorities intercepted the shipment following a detailed investigation. The suspects face serious charges as the UAE continues its zero-tolerance approach to drug trafficking.
Dubai Police have arrested 15 individuals in connection with a sophisticated drug trafficking operation involving 50 kilograms of narcotics that were hidden inside boxes of sweets. The bust is being described as one of the most deceptive smuggling attempts intercepted in recent months and highlights the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in combating drug crime.
The suspects, part of a well-coordinated international network, attempted to smuggle drugs into the UAE by disguising them as popular confectionery items. According to police, the drugs were meticulously packed inside candy wrappers and sweet boxes in an attempt to avoid detection during customs inspections.
Acting on a tip-off, Dubai Police launched an extensive surveillance and investigation operation, tracking the movement of the suspects and the suspicious shipment. The breakthrough came when officers raided a location in Dubai where the packages were being stored and distributed. A total of 50 kilograms of illegal substances were seized during the operation.
“This gang used a highly deceptive method, attempting to exploit everyday consumer goods to hide their illegal activity,” said Major General Eid Thani Hareb, Director of the Anti-Narcotics Department at Dubai Police. “They underestimated the expertise and readiness of our security teams, who worked tirelessly to track and apprehend them before the drugs could be circulated.”
He further stated that the operation was carried out with high-level coordination between various security units, utilizing both traditional intelligence and modern surveillance technology to track the smugglers’ movements and intercept the illegal cargo.
All 15 suspects, who hail from different nationalities, are currently in custody and facing charges under UAE’s strict anti-narcotics laws. Legal proceedings have been initiated, and authorities are also investigating the international links of the network.
Dubai Police emphasized that this operation is part of their broader strategy to combat the rising threat of narcotics trafficking through increasingly creative methods. Over the past year, authorities in the UAE have intercepted several major smuggling attempts where drugs were concealed in everything from furniture and food items to marble stones.
The police reiterated the UAE’s zero-tolerance policy toward drug-related crimes and warned traffickers that the country remains one of the most difficult places for such criminal activity to succeed.
Residents and citizens have also been encouraged to report suspicious behavior or information related to drug activity through official channels. Dubai Police continue to invest in awareness campaigns and community engagement to ensure society remains alert and cooperative in the fight against drugs.
This latest bust serves as a strong message to criminal networks that UAE law enforcement agencies are well-prepared, highly capable, and committed to protecting the nation from the dangers of drug trafficking.
