New forensics lab to cost Dh500m

Dubai: More than Dh500 million will be invested in the construction a state-of -the-art Forensic Science and Criminology Department at the headquarters of Dubai Police within the next two years.

Major-General Khamis Mattar Al Mazeina, Deputy Chief of Dubai Police, told Gulf News that the final contract will be signed this year.

The new laboratory will replace the current laboratory and will be an independent building with more than 60 graduates, including 12 holders of doctorates, selected to become forensic specialists at the new laboratory.

In other developments, Maj Gen Al Mazeina said that the final study in selecting and choosing the places in Dubai to allocate surveillance cameras has recently been finalised.

These surveillance cameras aim to upgrade and improve security measures following the assassination of the Hamas commander Mahmoud Al Mabhouh.

Maj Gen Al Mazeina also denied media reports that members from the Serious and Organised Crime Agency of the United Kingdom had interrogated former Nigerian governor James Ibori in his Dubai prison.

"Based on the laws of the UAE, no foreign country or any foreign police/intelligence service of any foreign country is allowed to interrogate any suspects in the UAE," he said.

"Only Dubai Police officials and officials from the Interior Ministry are allowed to interrogate our suspects. Foreign police services can request for information, arrests, and extradition through Interpol."