Coronavirus: Heroin and crystal meth gang who targeted bored youngsters arrested

Police said the four men took advantage of people being stuck at home to peddle drugs

Police said the men took advantage of the fact that young people are locked down at home. Courtesy: Dubai Police

Four men were arrested for attempting to sell drugs to young people on lockdown across the emirate.

Dubai Police said the suspects took advantage of the fact that residents must stay home around the clock.

Officers seized 26kg of heroin and 33kg of crystal meth. It was not revealed when the operation took place.

“The Asian gang members attempted to take advantage of the Covid-19 precautionary measures to promote their toxins among our young people,” said Maj Gen Khalil Al Mansouri, assistant commander for criminal investigations, who declined to specify nationalities.

Brig Eid Hareb, director of Dubai Police's anti-narcotics department said the force initially received a tip off about one of the men.

Investigators kept watch on his movements for 12 days.

His accomplices were identified and the vehicles which they used were also tracked.

The suspects were arrested in two separate raids.

“At the zero-hour, Dubai police busted the gang leader and his assistant as they transported the drugs,” Brig Hareb said.

The other two men were arrested in front of the gang leader's home in Dubai.

“All four of them admitted promoting drugs and have been referred to the public prosecution for further legal action against them,” he said.