Police deny rumours about 'killer' perfume

Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Police have denied rumours that some vendors were selling a perfume that could kill users in four days.

The false story, which was circulated through SMS, claimed that 18 people had died and 35 were admitted to intensive care after using the perfume.

Colonel Maktoum Al Sharifi, Director of Abu Dhabi Police's Criminal Investigation Department, warned the public against forwarding such rumours. He said some people who spread the story had illegal business interests.

Al Sharifi pointed out that the message contained many mistakes, since it was unreasonable that so many people were affected and yet no warning was issued by the health authorities and the police.

"All our authorities are linked and work together as team, which means nothing is hidden," Al Sharifi said.

"Our government's transparency makes it a must to inform the public of any incidents that affect them through the media and [other] means of communication," he added.

Al Sharifi did not exclude the possibility that some people may benefit from the rumours.