DUBAI // More than 1,000 boxes of illegal fireworks have been seized by police since the beginning of Ramadan.
The 1,114 boxes were being sold illegally in the Bur Dubai and Deira areas, said Brig Abdullah Al Ghaithi, director of the General Department of Protective Security and Emergency at Dubai Police.
“The first [set of boxes] was found in shops and stores, and the second was found after it was discovered that a person was advertising and selling illegal fireworks using his BlackBerry,” said Brig Al Ghaithi.
He said that in the first week of Ramadan, officers visited 96 shops in the two areas and that a clampdown on those selling fireworks illegally would continue.
Dubai Police seized 72.1 tonnes of fireworks last year, up from 16.3 tonnes in 2012. The figures for 2011 and 2010 were 53.8 tonnes and 14.5, respectively.
Officers are trying to raise awareness of the dangers of fireworks by distributing information pamphlets in Arabic and English at Ramadan activities, by posting flyers near shops and mosques as well as giving lecture at youth clubs, Brig Al Ghaithi said.
“We will continue with our annual campaign to find and seize fireworks being sold illegally during the holy month, during which fireworks are spread among children and promoted in different ways, including smart phones,” he said, adding that officers were cooperating with shopping centres, including Lamcy Plaza.
“In our previous campaigns, we focused on Arabs, but it came to our attention that other nationalities were also using fireworks to mark holidays, such as Diwali. That is why we decided to team up with Lamcy Plaza, where a lot of the Indian community frequent, and raise awareness on the dangers of fireworks.”
Brig Al Ghaithi said fireworks could lead to severe burns if used incorrectly or if the fireworks were below the required safety standard.
“Not only can children be burnt or deformed by fireworks, but it can also lead to damage of property and pollution,” he said.
“Also, the sound of fireworks can disturb people, especially during prayers or when there is an infant in the home or even a sick person that needs rest.
“Everyone must cooperate with this campaign, as we are all responsible for the safety of the country and the people in it.
“Even if a child was hurt from playing with fireworks, when he or she is taken to the hospital, the guardians or parents sometimes say that they got burnt from something in the house. This is why cooperation with the authorities is important.”
He urged people to call 800 8888 if they witnessed or suspected anyone selling or playing with illegal fireworks. He added that the sale of fireworks without a licence was punishable by law.
“The law states that if a person is caught selling fireworks without a licence, he will serve a jail sentence of no less than six month and, or, have to pay Dh10,000,” said Brig Al Ghaithi.
“Also, even if a person has a licence to import fireworks, he cannot sell it or store it without permission from the police or other relevant authorities. In this case, a person will serve no less than three months in jail and, or, have to pay a Dh5,000 fine.”
He said that the authorities must ensure that flammable materials were stored properly.
“Fireworks have to be stored in a special place that is set to a certain temperature. Even when being transported, they need to be transported in a way that is safe.”
Several large firework displays take place across Dubai emirate every year to mark the start of Eid Al Fitr. Details will be announced by authorities nearer the time.
dmoukhallati@thenational.ae
