UAE's National Anti-Narcotics Authority busts international drug gang

The UAE’s National Anti-Narcotics Authority has announced the dismantling of a criminal gang involved in drug trafficking and distribution, following a month-long joint operation with Dubai Police, Sharjah Police and authorities in Bahrain.

The operation led to the arrest of 13 suspects accused of promoting and distributing narcotics across the UAE. Officials said the gang was led by a drug trafficker operating from outside the country.

In coordination with security authorities in Bahrain, the gang’s leader was arrested abroad and brought to the UAE to face legal proceedings.

The agency said the operation followed weeks of investigations, surveillance, and field monitoring, during which officers tracked the suspects’ movements and communication. Investigators found that the group had been receiving instructions from the overseas drug dealer to distribute narcotics across different parts of the country.

Authorities seized 56.6 kilograms of narcotic substances, more than 8,100 psychotropic pills, and a large quantity of electronic cigarettes filled with cannabis oil. The total estimated street value of the seized items was around AED3.3 million.

The National Anti-Narcotics Agency said the operation forms part of a wider national strategy aimed at cutting off drug trafficking networks by targeting both local distributors and the key figures directing operations from abroad.

Officials stressed that regional and international cooperation remains essential in tackling cross-border crimes, adding that close coordination with Bahrain and other security agencies played a major role in tracking the suspects and preventing the drugs from reaching communities.

The agency reaffirmed its commitment to protecting society from narcotics and said it has the legal and operational tools needed to pursue traffickers both inside and outside the UAE.