1.2 million pills seized and seven arrested in major Abu Dhabi drugs bust

Officers placed a gang of drug smugglers under surveillance for four months to foil criminal operation

Abu Dhabi Police seized 1.2 million pills after monitoring a drugs gang for four months. Abu Dhabi Police

Seven members of a drug-smuggling gang have been arrested and 1.2 million pills seized following a four-month investigation by police in Abu Dhabi.

Officers said a portion of the huge haul of tablets – the type of which was not disclosed – were destined to be moved for sale in a nearby country.

The traffickers were placed under surveillance after one of the group was arrested for possession of 120,000 pills.

“During his questioning, new facts revealed that he was one of seven men involved in the promotion and smuggling attempt of 1.2 million drugging pills,” said Col Taher Gharib Al Dhaheri, director of the anti-narcotics department at Abu Dhabi Police.

He said a sting operation led to a further arrest.

“The second arrest was of the number-two man in the gang who handled all drug promotions and he was found in possession of another 15,000 pills at the time of his arrest,” Col Al Dhaheri said.

“Following that, five other arrests were made and a large quantity of drugs was seized, a part of which was planned to be smuggled to a nearby country.”

Police urged the public to report any suspected drug-related activities by calling 800 2626.