This was achieved following the seizure of a parcel sent from abroad via a shipping company.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The Anti-Narcotics Department at the Sharjah Police was able to successfully arrest a gang of six Asians involved in attempting to smuggle narcotics into the country. This was achieved following the seizure of a parcel sent from abroad via a shipping company. The parcel, which was addressed to a location in the UAE, contained 4kg of paper impregnated with the drug 'spice'. This substance was being transported with the intention of peddling within the UAE.

Colonel Majid Sultan Al Asam, Director of the Anti-Narcotics Department at the Sharjah Police, explained that corroborated data suggested the involvement of an individual in activities pertaining to the trafficking and promotion of narcotic substances. Accordingly, a competent team was constituted with the objective of monitoring the suspect, identifying him, and verifying the extent of his association with internal elements or external networks for drug trafficking and promotion.

Following a period of careful monitoring, investigations revealed that the suspect had been in connection with five others of different Asian nationalities, who were also engaged in the peddling drugs within the country and linked to external networks. Based on the aforementioned information, a meticulous ambush was devised, which ultimately resulted in the apprehension of all suspects, numbering six individuals.

Following the completion of all legal procedures, a comprehensive search of their residences was conducted, during which a multitude of incriminating evidence was gathered. This evidence pertained to the illicit manufacture and distribution of hashish, a narcotic substance. Additionally, A4-sized papers impregnated with the drug known as 'spice' were seized.

The suspects employed precise camouflage techniques to avoid suspicion; however, the security expertise and careful examination by the anti-narcotics team led to the discovery of these narcotics and thwarted the attempt to distribute them. Furthermore, Colonel Majid Sultan Al Asam stated that subsequent investigations and the collation of additional information led to the discovery of a postal parcel originating from a foreign country and dispatched via a shipping company.

The parcel was addressed in the name of one of the suspects. Upon opening the parcel, it was discovered that it contained sealed envelopes containing notebooks of A4 paper intended for drawing or writing. These notebooks were then examined by the Forensic Evidence and Laboratory Department of the Sharjah Police, where it was found that they were saturated with the drug 'Spice'. As a result, all seized items and suspects were referred to the Public Prosecution for legal proceedings against them.

Colonel Majid Al Asam noted that such a criminal method was shared to the country's border crossings with the objective of intensifying the fight against drugs and confronting the evolving tactics employed by drug traffickers and peddlers in smuggling operations. He highlighted that drug traffickers and smugglers invest significant resources into targeting youth, with the objective of ensnaring them in the cycle of addiction. This is particularly evident in the use of manufactured drugs such as 'spice', which is regarded as one of the most dangerous and influential substances compared to other narcotics, such as opium, heroin and others.

He explained that these criminals employ a multitude of strategies to facilitate the access of drugs to young people, including the promotion of such substances on social media platforms and the utilisation of deceptive smuggling techniques. He urged members of the community to maintain unwavering collaboration with security authorities and assist in apprehending criminals who target the nation's youth and inflict detrimental effects on families by promoting these substances. Furthermore, he underscored the significance of collective action in safeguarding the community from these pernicious influences by reporting dealers and traffickers via 8004654 or via the email dea@shjpolice.gov.ae.