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Tobacco worth Dh500,000 confiscated in Dubai

Product did not bear information on country of origin and validity dates.

The Department of Economic Development - Dubai (DED), has confiscated five tonnes of tobacco worth Dh500,000 used for smoking in locally-made pipes known as Medwakh or Dokha.
The product was impounded after synchronised crackdowns on tobacco and smoking accessories sale stores in Dubai, which also resulted in the booking of 16 tobacco shops. The tobacco was confiscated as they did not bear any information on the country of origin and validity dates
Ibrahim Behzad, director of intellectual property section at the commercial compliance and consumer protection sector in DED, said: "DED had launched crackdowns on tobacco sale shops and smoking accessories (like ashtrays, lighters, holders and tobacco flavouring) in parts of the emirate.
"A large number of inspectors at the department took part in the crackdowns which resulted in booking 16 shops and confiscating five tonnes of the Medwakh tobacco worth Dh500,000. The areas where the crackdowns were launched included Satwa, Al Dhiyafa, Abu Hail, Jumeirah, Al Quoz, Al Khawaneej and Nad Al Hamar. Big stores close to the residential areas were targeted he noted.
"The tobacco was confiscated as they did not bear any information on the country of origin and validity dates," he said.
He added that other quantities of tobacco were seized as they were sold after expiry dates, in contravention of law number 4 of 1979 on combating fraudulence and cheating in trade dealings and law no 13 of 2011 on streamlining the practising of economic activities in the emirate of Dubai. He said 16 trucks were used to transport the seized tobacco from the stores to the warehouses of the DED to destroy them as per the applicable laws with regards to the environment.
"Public health and safety of consumers are the top priorities of the DED," he said, noting that such products may adversely affect society, especially youth. The public have been advised to be careful while buying things and to report the stores that do not adhere to the law. They can call Ahlan Dubai service on phone number 600545555 to report any negative practices in local markets," he said.
Behzad asked traders and owners of trading stores to be cautious while handling products of unknown source, and ensure accredited information of the content of the products as well as the validity dates.
"The department will confiscate all products deemed unfit, and in case of repeating the offence, it will ensure that the shop is shut down."
Behzad warned that the law is binding on trade establishments to produce all information of the products to the consumer.
Earlier lab tests made on samples of the tobacco showed they contained hazardous substances which pose a threat for those who use it.
salah@khaleejtimes.com