Dubai Police have dismantled a 15-member gang—10 men and five women—accused of promoting sweets and chewing gum laced with narcotic substances through social media. The bust, part of a sting dubbed “Drugs Flavor,” led to the seizure of 48 kilograms of narcotics and over a thousand pills worth AED 2.4 million.
The announcement was made during a press conference at the Anti-Drug Awareness Exhibition in Festival City Mall, where officials warned of the growing use of digital platforms in drug distribution.
“This success underscores the advanced capabilities of Dubai Police, including cutting-edge artificial intelligence technologies and a skilled, specialized team proficient in detecting and addressing criminal activities,” said Brigadier Dr. Abdul Rahman Sharif Al Maamari, Director of the International Hemaya Center.
According to Brig. Al Maamari, the operation was sparked by intelligence pointing to a cross-border network trying to infiltrate UAE markets with psychoactive-laced treats. A specialized task force was quickly formed, and with close surveillance, the group was tracked and eventually raided.
The suspects have since been turned over to the Public Prosecution for legal action.
Highlighting the broader danger, Ms. Manal Ibrahim, Director of the Security Media Department, warned the public about purchasing sweets through unverified online channels. She urged parents to remain vigilant and buy only from trusted sources, as some ingredients permitted abroad are illegal in the UAE.
She also emphasized the importance of community awareness and reporting. Suspicious messages or online activity can be flagged through the e-Crime platform or the ‘Police Eye’ feature in the Dubai Police app.
The case serves as a reminder of the evolving strategies used by drug traffickers—and the high-tech response Dubai authorities are deploying to keep communities safe.