Gang busted trying to smuggle copper

Sharjah: Police intercepted a gang's plot to smuggle more than 18 tons of copper out of the country and sell it on the black market.

The 19-member gang kept the 18 tonnes of stolen copper, in addition to a large amount of aluminium, in five containers located next to labour accommodation in the Al Saja'a industrial area.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Sharjah Police said the gang consisted of 18 Pakistanis and an Indian.

The gang also stole a large quantity of cables, wire, air conditioning units and electronic equipment, as well as cars and pick-up trucks.

Security

Lieutenant Colonel Yousuf Al Naqbi, director of CID, said warehouses in industrial areas should employ security guards as instances of stolen goods are common.

Police carried out an initial investigation when several companies filed stolen goods reports.

During the investigation, police arrested six men who confessed to working in collaboration with others who lived in the Mowaileh area.

The CID officials raided their home and encountered violent resistance as the suspects tried to escape.

The police were however able to detain them and hold them for questioning.

The suspects confessed to working with those already arrested and provided details of the thefts.

A number of stolen vehicles with stolen number plates were used to carry out the robberies.

The suspects said they targeted the warehouses during the day and carried out the thefts at night as several gang members stood guard.