Saturday: 24 July 2010:
8 Kilogrammes of heroin caught hidden in electronic devices
Abu Dhabi Police have arrested a man for allegedly possessing eight kilogrammes of heroin hidden inside electronic devices.
Colonel Hammad Ahmed Al Hamadi, Director of ADP Criminal Investigation Department (CID) said "The Afghan national has concealed narcotics inside 51 electronic items including DVD and CD players and car music system".
"The 22 year old suspect has come to the country on a tourist visa with a view to selling the drugs", added Al Hamadi.
"The police have set up a trap to arrest the suspect after making a deal with him to buy four kilos of heroin for Dh220,000 ($60,000). After the necessary permission from the Public Prosecution the arrest was made. The success of the operation in Abu Dhabi led to seizure of the whole amount of drugs", added Colonel Al Hamadi.
Lt. Colonel Sultan Suwayeh Al Darmaki, Head of Anti-Narcotics Section at CID and Coordinator of the Operation said "Police have received a tip off that an Afghani man, identified as (M.W.N.K., 22) who is involved in illegal drug trading activities has entered the country and is looking for a buyer for his goods".
"After necessary legal formalities have been taken, four kilogrammes of heroin were subsequently tracked down to Abu Dhabi and a similar quantity hidden in DVD, CD players and car audio systems, was found in a Dubai hotel room occupied by the suspect. The find had been made in cooperation with Dubai Police. The goods were seized to be produced as evidence during the trial", added Al Darmaki.
"The suspect has admitted his crime and that the goods belong to an Afghani person in Afghanistan. His role is to sell them and get a percentage.”
Lt. Colonel Al Darmaki said "The confiscated heroin is of high quality and could easily have been sold in small amounts (grams). The market value of each kilo is $15,000 (Dh55,000). The total price of the goods is $60,000 (Dh220,000)".
Colonel Al Hamadi has urged community members to report any suspected criminal behaviour they may come across, so as to enhance our community safety and stability.
The Law of Anti-Narcotics and Mind – Altering Drugs Number (14/95), Article Number (49), stipulates that whoever brings in, imports, exports, produces or extracts any narcotic or mind-altering drugs, shown on the attached tables (3), (6), (7) and (8), will be awarded a jail sentence of not less than seven years and not more than ten years, plus a fine of not less than Dh50,000 and not more than Dh 200,000. Whoever possesses, practices and related activity or dealing in one of the above mentioned stuffs other than what is stipulated in Item (1), without contradicting the conditions stipulated in Article (40), will be awarded a jail sentence of not less than one year and not more than three years, plus a fine of not less than Dh 20,000 and not more than Dh50,000. Whoever is caught dealing in narcotics shall be given a life sentence and a fine of not less than Dh50,000 and not more than Dh200,000. In case the offence is repeated, the offender may be given capital punishment.