Abu Dhabi: The authorities confiscated a large amount of paan from a residential flat in Powerhouse area in the city recently.

Two Asian nationals were arrested for hoarding the banned item (betel leaves additives to which lime, betul nut and tobacco are added), a statement issued by the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City, said yesterday.

It was confiscated during a recent campaign conducted by the municipality, in coordination with Abu Dhabi Police.

Khalifa Mohammad Al Rumaithi, the director of public health division at the municipality, said the accused were keeping the drug for processing and distributing it for consumption.