Al Ain: Public health officials have seized 20 packs of naswar — a tobacco prouct — during a raid at a factory which was allegedly manufacturing the illegal substance in the Al Moragh area of the city.
Closing down the factory, officials also impounded the equipment and tonnes of raw materials used in the production of the chewing tobacco. Three Asian workers from the factory were arrested.
The sale and production of naswar is against the law in the UAE and the factory was operating clandestinely, said the official from the Public Health Department at Al Ain Municipality.
Hassan Al Ka’abi, head of the municipality’s Public Inspection Section, said the crackdown was a part of a campaign to curb the availability of intoxicating substances for the safety of residents.
The seized raw material was packed in 83 bags, weighing 95kg. The factory was using three milling machines to produce naswar.
He said the department routinely conducts inspections of the industrial units and factories to maintain control on their functioning and prevent any illegal activities.
“We take possible preventive measures to control factories and farms and check illegal activities that can harm the public health and society,” he added.
The department has completed its investigation and brought the accused to court.
Al Ka’abi has also appealed to the public to cooperate with the department in the elimination of such illegal activities.
They can call the municipality’s emergency number, 993, if they find any such illegal activity in their neighbourhoods.
