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UAE seizes 25 million Captagon pills in series of drug smuggling busts

Abu Dhabi - This has been the one of the biggest drug hauls in the country this year.

UAE authorities have foiled a series of attempts to smuggle 25 million Captagon pills worth Dh1.3 billion into the country during the first quarter of the year, the Ministry of Interior (MoI) has revealed.
This has been the one of the biggest drug hauls in the country this year, and all criminals involved in the drug smuggling circle have been arrested, said Brig Saeed Abdullah Tuwair Al Suwaidi, director-general of the federal anti-narcotics department at the Ministry of Interior and deputy chairman of the Anti-Narcotics Council.
Brig Al Suwaidi said the special operation conducted in the first months of 2020 helped cops seize four tonnes of Captagon pills. 
"The ministry has continued to succeed in achieving its targets in accordance with the national drug control strategy," he added. 
It has also been working with regional and international entities to combat drug smuggling. More than 12,000kg of drugs have already been seized through these international operations, Brig Al Suwaidi said. Last year, 117 cross-border drug operations were conducted in cooperation with 28 countries. 
Week-long drug awareness campaign
Some 39,300 people have participated in the week-long drug awareness campaign organised by the Ministry of Education in cooperation with the MoI. 
Aiming to raise awareness about the dangers of using drugs, virtual workshops explored topics like what narcotic drugs are, the risk factors associated with drug use, the responsibility of schools in keeping kids away from drugs, and the basics of early intervention. 
The sessions also highlighted the vital role that families play in protecting children. 
ismail@khaleejtimes.com