Sharjah: Two traders in possession of a large quantity of firecrackers were arrested during a sweep on illegal firework traders, a Sharjah Police official said.
The suspects were arrested for hiding and attempting to smuggle the firecrackers, considered a major fire hazard, to a neighbouring country through one of the UAE’s land borders.
The police were tipped off about a huge haul of the illegal merchandise hidden in the basement of a residential tower in Sharjah’s Al Taawun district.
They formed a team and raided the tower where 18 boxes of firecrackers were found and removed them as a safety measure.
Later, the owner of the goods went to the police station and told them that he had been robbed and his goods had disappeared from the place where he had kept them.
He claimed the boxes contained children’s toys and that he was about to ship them to a neighbouring country, as he was working for a passenger transport company.
Police showed the seized goods to the man. He admitted they belonged to him and said he had an accomplice who said he could help him smuggle the goods.
Based on his confession, the two Arab suspects were arrested and referred to the Public Prosecution for further action.
Sharjah Police warned traders against bringing in and selling firecrackers and fireworks, especially to children, because the items pose a threat to lives and public safety.
Sharjah Police has said it will continue its anti-firecracker drive. It urged community members to report crime to 999 or on the toll-free number (Najeed) 800151, via SMS 7999, email najeed@shjpolice.gov.ae or log on to www.shjpolice.gov.ae/najeed.
