Dubai: The UAE National Drug Enforcement Authority announced a significant breakthrough in a month-long joint operation with Dubai and Sharjah police and authorities in the Kingdom of Bahrain, resulting in the arrest of a 13-member criminal gang involved in drug trafficking.

According to Emirates News Agency, the suspects, who are of Asian and African nationalities, were led by an Asian drug lord operating from outside the UAE. In collaboration with Bahraini security services, the ringleader was apprehended abroad and extradited to the UAE to face prosecution. The operation was the culmination of extensive investigations and surveillance, during which authorities tracked the suspects’ movements and coordination.

Investigations revealed that the gang had received instructions from the overseas ringleader to distribute narcotics across various parts of the country. The total seizures amounted to 56.623 kg of narcotic substances, 8,159 psychotropic pills, and a large quantity of electronic cigarettes filled with hashish oil, with an estimated value of about AED3,300,000.

The authority stated that it remains committed to strengthening community protection and security against drugs. The operation is part of a broader national strategy aimed at disrupting drug supply chains by targeting both local distributors and key figures managing criminal networks from abroad.

The authority emphasized the importance of regional and international cooperation in combating cross-border crimes, highlighting that the ongoing coordination with partner agencies was crucial in tracking the network, thwarting its plans, and bringing those involved to justice. It also affirmed its capacity to take action against drug traffickers operating outside the country, thereby ensuring the protection of society and deterring attempts to threaten the UAE.