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10t of firecrackers seized in Ajman

AJMAN — More than 10 tonnes of firecrackers were confiscated by Ajman police yesterday during a campaign targeting outlets selling crackers illegally.

by

Afkar Ali Ahmed

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Published: Sun 16 Oct 2005, 10:26 AM

Last updated: Thu 2 Apr 2015, 8:50 PM

Three groceries were shut down and the owners deported after they admitted to bringing the crackers into the country through the Dubai Sea Port.

The police said the crackers were brought from other emirates as well and sold to children and teenagers in Ajman.

Speaking to Khaleej Times, Ajman Police Chief, Brigadier Ali Majid Al Matroushi, wondered how such huge quantities of firework were brought into the country.

"What is the role of the supervision section at entry ports in stopping these illegal products from being brought into the country and which company is responsible for transporting such products from China and other Asian countries," he asked.

He said though the police were doing their job, they cannot control the smuggling of firecrackers without the help of the supervision section at the seaports, municipality, parents and society as a whole.

Lieutenant-Colonel Rashid Mujlad, Head of the Research and Investigation Section, said that after the investigation officer received information about the sale of firecrackers, a decoy was sent to the sellers who were caught red-handed.

He said that since the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, the police were working hard to curb the illegal sale of firecrackers, which could lead to injuries and even death among children.

"Parents are responsible for the safety of their children. The municipality and other public services providers should play a greater role in cracking down on those who violate the law," he said.

Lt-Col Humaid Saeed, Director of Police Station in Ajman, said the police and municipality had fined and warned several small outlets and shops for selling firecrackers.

"The crackers used by children during festivals can cause serious injuries and lead to accidents in residential areas, as well as pollute the environment and disturb the residents. Fireworks can be an exciting part of a celebration, but no parent or child should learn about it's dangers in a painful way," he said, adding that firework-related injuries usually involve hands, fingers, eyes or head and can sometimes result in amputations, blinding or even death.

An official from the Emergency Section of Khalifah Hospital said there were more than four such cases during Ramadan including burns to hands and minor injuries to the face.

"But the case of the 15-year-old boy, as reported by Khaleej Times, was very serious because he lost his eye sight. He is currently receiving medical treatment at Belhoul Private Hospital in Dubai," he said.

Ahmed Al Rewaishid, a resident of Al Jarf in Ajman, said:"My children love to burst firecrackers but I am aware of the danger involved. Children nowadays are stubborn and I have failed to stop them from buying firecrackers."

Moza Muftah, another resident, said that parents are responsible if any harm befalls their children. "I always talk to my children and make them understand that these kind of games could harm them, and those children who play with such things do not obey their parents," she added.

Mohammad Mirgani said it was not the police’s responsibility to guide children. "Parents shouldn’t encourage youngsters. If all parents understand the dangers, and don't allow their children to buy firecrackers, the groceries will automatically stop selling them," he said.

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