Dubai: Human trafficking cases in Dubai increased by 58 per cent in the first half of this year when compared to the same period last year, police have revealed.
In the first half of this year, there were 19 cases of human trafficking with 54 suspects arrested and 35 victims rescued by Dubai Police, Major General Khamis Mattar Al Mazeina, Acting Chief of Dubai Police, said in a statement.
A comparison of this year's statistics to the first half of last year reveals an increase of 58 per cent with 12 cases registered in the first half of 2009. Around 45 suspects were arrested in these cases along with 22 victims rescued by Dubai Police.
The statistics were released during an inspection of the General Department of Legal and Disciplinary Control for the second quarter of this year.
In an earlier report by Gulf News, human trafficking cases in Dubai increased by 28 per cent in 2009 over the previous year, with 33 victims forced into prostitution and a case of an infant offered for sale.
Major General Al Mazeina said the increase in cases being brought to light was due to the significant efforts made by the police to combat human trafficking in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior and international organisations.
In 2006, human trafficking cases were only seven, shooting up to 23 in 2007. The figures dropped in 2008 to 18 cases but rose again in 2009 to 23 cases.
The General Department of Legal and Disciplinary Control Director-General Colonel Dr Mohammad Abdullah Al Murr said the centre implemented field studies and training, and acted globally to combat traffickers and provide necessary services for victims.
