Dubai police helped arrest 308 international drug suspects and seize 2,259 tonnes of narcotics, including khat, cocaine, marijuana and heroin, along with 7.92 million narcotic pills in 2023, authorities said on Thursday.

Also, the General Anti-Narcotics Department of the Dubai Police last year provided 372 drug-related files to 44 countries and blocked a total of 1,923 online accounts associated with drug traffickers on various social media platforms.

“The apprehension of dealers and the seizure of significant quantities of narcotics and psychotropic substances – reflects Dubai Police’s ongoing international efforts to combat drug trafficking through specialist teams, advanced artificial intelligence technologies and strong collaboration with law enforcement agencies around the world” , said Major General Khalil Ibrahim Al Mansouri, Asst. commander for Criminal Investigative Affairs.

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He added: “These efforts enhance the protection and security of the community, contributing to significant achievements in combating crime in all its forms over the years.”

Brigadier Khalid bin Muwaiza, Acting Director of the General Anti-Narcotics Department, noted: “Over the past five years, Dubai Police has made significant progress in the global fight against drugs, sharing 894 pieces of information with 66 countries, leading to the arrest of 550 international suspects and the seizure of 29.45 tons of narcotics”.

He cited one particular case – Operation Sugar Cane – which led to the arrest of a key member of a major organized crime syndicate involved in smuggling cocaine between South America and Europe via sugar shipments. This operation led to the seizure of 22 tons of cocaine.

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