UAQ restaurant closed down for selling illegal drugs

Umm Al Quwain - The establishment was selling the banned Niswar substance

The Department of Economic Development has ordered the closure of a restaurant in the Industrial area of Umm Al Quwain for being involved in selling banned narcotics.
According to a senior official, staff inspectors found pieces of Niswar narcotic substance in the establishment.
Saif Salem, head of inspection section at the department, said they received several complaints that the eatery was selling banned Niswar tobacco in violation of law.
"The tip-off was verified, and restaurant staffers were put under close surveillance until the inspectors stormed the outlet and extracted some pieces of the contraband from it."
The shopkeeper was proved to have bought a big amount of the banned Niswar which he sold in small pieces. He was selling it for Dh3 each as per street market price, he added.
"The department bans selling this item and will penalise any outlet or individual involved in selling it because of its harmful impact on health."
Salem warned all the shop keepers about offering such prohibited items for sale.
"These narcotics are so dangerous, particularly to young kids who mostly sustain different diseases and may become addicted to it."
The inspection section is intensifying raids to curb this growing negative phenomenon among the younger generations. Their goal is to prevent all shops from selling the banned product.
"Niswar and Paan can lead to a number of diseases, such as damaging the nervous system."
Niswar is outlawed as per the circular No 23/2003, while Paan is banned as per the local directive No 11/2003- Article 66 because of their harmful impact on public health.
Salem said the DED spares no effort to protect all consumers against prohibited substances, particularly Niswar, Paan and Supari.
"As per law, we are all urged to report any such illegal acts which pose a risk to all members of the society to the concerned bodies."
- ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com

• Umm Al Quwain