Four men operating an illegal tobacco factory have been arrested in Abu Dhabi. The gang were caught in possession of 1.5 tonnes of naswar, a banned form of chewing tobacco, following a swoop by Abu Dhabi Police. A team of investigators from the force raided the premises after receiving information about the criminal activity. Manufacturing equipment at the site was also seized. Police said legal action will be taken against the rogue tobacco traders. Naswar is a tobacco product outlawed in the UAE and other Gulf countries due to its negative effects on health. It has been found to cause mouth cancer and contagious mouth ulcers as well as stained teeth. Brig Gen Mohammed Al Rashidi, director of the criminal security sector at Abu Dhabi Police, praised the efforts of the officers and urged the public to report any illegal activities to police.