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Strict vigil helps UAE curb drug smuggling

ABU DHABI - As many as 1,975 drug cases were registered between January 2007 and May 2008, an official source in the Ministry of Interior told Khaleej Times on Tuesday.

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In the past five months, about 678 cases of drug-related offences were registered and 2,185kg of narcotics, including 1,167kg of heroin, 900kg of hashish and 90kg of opium, were seized.

As many as 908 people were arrested in connection with these cases.

The source mentioned that the UAE is cooperating with various international organisations to curb smuggling of drugs into the country.

He pointed out that continuous surveillance system had led to the arrest of drug traffickers.

The source said the ministry was aware of the places where contraband drugs originate as well as routes being used by drug traffickers, right from Asia to Latin America.

He added that drug traffickers at times attempt to smuggle the contraband into the country by land routes, but strict vigil at the border checkpoints had thwarted several attempts.

He also said that air routes, too, are used by drug traffickers who conceal capsules in their stomachs or intestines, as well as within some personal baggages.

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