In a joint operation, the Dubai Police and the Australian Federal Police foiled a bid to smuggle 145kg of heroin worth Dh10 million in the international waters off the African coast recently. The police arrested 16 suspects in the operation.
The operation, code-named the ‘Golden Beach’, was carried out as per directives of Lt.-General Shaikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior.
Major-General Khamis Mattar Al Mazeina, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, said the Anti-Narcotics Department received information that drugs would be smuggled in a wooden ship called ‘Taj’. According to the information, the ship originated from Asia and would be heading to the African coast.
Al Mazeina said a task force was set up to coordinate contacts with the Royal Australian Navy, which is responsible for combating drug smuggling in the Indian Ocean. The task force intercepted the ship off Tanzania and seized the drugs, which were hidden in the engine chamber.
This operation, Al Mazeina said, reflects the contribution of the Dubai Police in foiling drug smuggling bids around the world. Previous international operations include the ‘Shark’ in 2011; ‘Votino’ in 2012; ‘Indian Ocean’ in 2013; and ‘Ocean Coast’ in 2014.
In 2014, the force helped foil 114 international drug smuggling bids, which led to the seizure of 7,202kg of drugs. In 2013, the Dubai Police helped foil 84 drug smuggling bids, which led the seizure of 8,425kg of drugs.
He said the Dubai Police have received a letter of thanks from the international authorities concerned for the successful conclusion of operation Golden Beach.
