50kg of illegal chewing tobacco seized in random UAE inspections

Fujairah - Residents are urged to report anyone selling or using 'naswar' through the municipality's emergency hotline 092443399.

Some 50kg of naswar, a variety of illegal chewing tobacco, has been seized in Dibba Fujairah as the authorities carried out random inspections in all stores across the city, the municipality said on Tuesday.  
Hassan Salem, director-general of the Dibba Fujairah Municipality, said the confiscated naswar were all packed and "ready for distribution" when inspectors caught the dealers. 
"The operations and ramped-up inspections are part of the civic body's efforts to fight the illegal trade of this chewing tobacco," Salem said.
He reminded residents that naswar is banned in the country. "Not only does it pose health risks, it also affects the cleanliness of the city as people using it would usually chew the tobacco and spit it out in public places and residential buildings."
Salem urged the public to report anyone selling or using naswar. "The municipality's emergency hotline (092443399) is operating round the clock."
Complaints can also be filed by dialling the toll-free number 80036 or through the civic body's app, smartFUJAIRAH.
Dr Mohammed Hamed, a pharmacist, told Khaleej Times that naswar is 'very harmful' to a person's health. "It is one of the main reasons behind gum cancer."
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• Fujairah