![Copy of REG 200202 DHOFAR1 [3]-1589726073193](https://imagevars.gulfnews.com/2020/05/17/Copy-of-REG-200202-DHOFAR1--3--1589726073193_172230ed16b_medium.jpg)
Abu Dhabi: Two expats were jailed for two years each and fined OR2,000 (Dh19,040) for violating the Consumer Protection Law by the Salalah Court of First instance.
The two men will also be deported after serving their sentence, according to the ruling which also ordered the vehicle used in the crime to be confiscated.
Information was received by the Consumer Protection Department in Salalah, the capital and largest city in the southern Omani governorate of Dhofar, about the distribution of large quantities of chewed tobacco by expatriate workers to stores there and in the neighbouring provinces.
Arrest warrants were issued and the suspects were monitored. Investigations revealed that the Asian men manufactured and stored chewing tobacco on a farm in Salalah and they distributed the prohibited substance to stores of the Dhofar Governorate by a special vehicle, which is a violation of Resolution No. 38/2010 which stipulates the prohibition of selling and importing of chewing tobacco.
Accordingly, a search warrant was obtained from the Public Prosecution and with support from the Royal Oman Police, the site was raided, the accused were arrested, and the tools and materials for chewing tobacco were seized.
After collecting the evidence and completing the record of the questioning, the file was transferred to the Dhofar Public Prosecution, which initiated the investigation and referred the file to the competent court that issued its ruling.
