Three people were arrested and more than 700 kilos of "paan" - a mixture of Indian betel leaf and tobacco - have been seized in raids by the Municipality this year. Paan, commonly used in northern India, is banned in Dubai for environmental reasons. The preparation is chewed and the red juice is spat out, staining walls and pavements.

Hassan Mohammed Makki, head of the Waste Services Section, said. "The raids are part of our efforts to root out the use of paan, which pollutes the city. "A local order bans the import, sale and use of paan in Dubai and stipulates a fine of Dh200 for chewing and spitting in public places.

"The raids were carried out on eight residential premises following tip-offs that paan was being sold. Three people who tipped us off were each awarded Dh2,000. Dubai Municipality announced the reward in December 1998 to encourage cooperation from the public to eliminate the practice."

These efforts are aimed at ensuring public health and environment safety, as well as preserving the cleanliness and general appearance of the city. He said another 30 people had been fined Dh200 this year for defacing public property by spitting paan.