Dubai Police arrest gang of 15 members for promoting drugs in sweets

Dubai Police have arrested a gang of 15 people — 10 men and five women — from different nationalities for selling sweets and chewing gum laced with drugs. The group was caught with 48 kilograms of narcotic substances and 1,174 pills, with a street value of Dh2.5 million.

The arrest was revealed during a press conference held by the General Department of Anti-Narcotics at the Anti-Drug Awareness Exhibition in Festival City Mall. The event aimed to educate the public about how drug dealers are using social media to target vulnerable users.

The press conference was attended by Brigadier Dr. Abdul Rahman Sharif Al Maamari, Director of the Hemaya International Centre at Dubai Police, Manal Ibrahim, Director of the Security Media Department, and several senior officers.

Brig. Al Maamari explained that the gang had been under close surveillance for some time. They were caught after Dubai Police tracked their movements and online activity, which revealed they were using social media platforms to sell drug-laced sweets. “What they were promoting were not just candies or gum,” he said, “but harmful products containing narcotic and psychoactive substances.”

He added that this successful operation was a major step forward in the fight against drugs, thanks to the use of advanced technologies, artificial intelligence, and a skilled team trained in tackling organized crime.

Brig. Al Maamari said the operation, named “Drugs Flavor”, began after police received intelligence about a criminal group operating across borders and targeting users in the UAE. The gang, made up of individuals from different nationalities, was promoting “drug-flavored” sweets online.

A specialized team was quickly formed to track them. Through careful investigation, the police identified the gang members and raided their hideout, where the drugs were seized. The suspects have now been referred to the Public Prosecution.

Brig. Al Maamari told Gulf News that UAE markets are free from these harmful products. He warned families, however, to be alert about the risks children and teenagers face online.

“Parents need to stay involved,” Brig. Al Maamari said. “They should talk openly with their children about the dangers of drugs and online traps.”

Manal Ibrahim, Director of Security Media, said the case highlights how social media is being misused to promote drugs. She urged the public to ignore and report any suspicious messages from unknown people online.

“You can report these messages through the e-Crime platform or the ‘Police Eye’ feature on the Dubai Police app and website,” she said.

Ibrahim also advised caution when buying candy online. Some types of sweets that are legal in other countries may contain banned substances in the UAE.

“Always buy from trusted websites or well-known stores,” she added. “Check the ingredients, especially if the sweets are for children.”

She stressed that Dubai Police remain committed to raising awareness through media campaigns and community programs to keep the public safe.