Abu Dhabi Police have seized 184 kg of hashish and arrested two Asian individuals in a major anti-drug operation codenamed ‘Secret Hideouts’.

Brigadier Taher Gharib Al Dhaheri, Director of the Anti-Narcotics Directorate, revealed that the criminal network was being run by an individual based outside the UAE, using international phone numbers to promote illicit substances.

The suspects were caught red-handed in one of the emirates, with the drugs cleverly hidden inside marble cylinders to evade detection. They have now been handed over to judicial authorities for prosecution.

This latest crackdown underscores Abu Dhabi Police’s relentless efforts to combat drug trafficking and protect the community from illegal substances.

(Source: Wam)

Kannada actress Ranya Rao was arrested at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport for allegedly smuggling a staggering 14.80 kg of gold from Dubai.

The Maanikya actress, who once shared the screen with superstar Kiccha Sudeep, landed on Monday night, completely unaware that officials from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) were waiting to pounce.

Ranya was immediately detained as officers searched her belongings and discovered the illicit haul. She was then whisked away to the DRI office in HBR Layout, where she was formally arrested.

In a desperate bid to dodge trouble, she reportedly claimed to be the daughter of top cop, Director General of Police K Ramachandra Rao — a move that didn’t impress authorities.

According to news reports, Ranya had been on the radar for some time, with intelligence reports linking her to a gold smuggling racket operating out of Dubai. Her suspiciously frequent trips — four visits to Dubai in just 15 days — had already raised eyebrows among investigators.

Determined to catch her red-handed, DRI officials laid a trap for the actress at Bengaluru airport. She allegedly smuggled the gold bars by wearing and concealing it in her clothes. Following her arrest, she was presented before an economic offences court, which remanded her to 14 days in judicial custody.

Authorities are investigating whether she was acting alone or was part of a larger smuggling network operating between Dubai and India.

(Source: Deccan Herald, TOI)

As the Holy Month of Ramadan began, Dubai authorities intensified their efforts to curb begging, a practice considered illegal in the UAE. On the first day of Ramadan, Dubai Police arrested nine beggars – five male and four female beggars – under its ongoing ‘Fight Begging’ campaign.

The crackdown on Saturday, March 1, is part of a broader initiative to preserve the city’s image and maintain public order. 

Brigadier Ali Salem Al Shamsi, Director of the Suspects and Criminal Phenomena Department at the General Department of Criminal Investigation, emphasised that anti-begging efforts are being executed in collaboration with key agencies, including the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, Dubai Municipality, and the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department.

“Beggars use various tricks to attract attention, often manipulating emotions to solicit money unlawfully,” Al Shamsi explained. 

“However, through strict enforcement and continuous monitoring, we have seen a significant decline in begging cases compared to previous years.”

Coordinated Strategy Against Begging

Dubai Police implement a comprehensive security plan each year to combat begging, deploying patrols in areas where such activities are commonly reported. Al Shamsi revealed that authorities closely monitor the evolving tactics used by beggars, many of whom exploit children, the elderly, and people with disabilities to gain public sympathy.

Under Federal Law No. 9 of 2018, begging is a criminal offence in the UAE. Furthermore, Articles 476 and 477 of Federal Decree Law No. 31 of 2021 impose harsh penalties on those involved in organised begging. Individuals found guilty of orchestrating begging groups of two or more people face a minimum of six months in jail and a fine of at least Dh100,000.

Residents Urged to Report Beggars

Authorities have called on residents to refrain from giving money to beggars, warning that doing so only fuels illegal activities. Instead, the public is encouraged to report beggars through various official channels, including the Dubai Police contact centre (901), the ‘Police Eye’ service on the Dubai Police smart app, and the ‘E-crime’ online platform for digital begging cases.

With Ramadan being a time of increased charitable giving, officials stress the importance of donating through registered charitable organisations rather than individuals soliciting on the streets. Dubai Police reaffirm their commitment to maintaining the city’s security and urge the community to support their efforts in eliminating the practice of begging.

(Source: uaebarq.ae)