Bahrain’s security services and the UAE’s National Drug Enforcement Authority played a key role in dismantling an international criminal gang involved in drug trafficking, seizing narcotics with an estimated value of more than BD330,000.
The UAE authority said yesterday it had carried out a month-long joint operation involving Dubai and Sharjah Police, in co-ordination with Bahraini authorities, leading to the arrest of a 13-member gang.
Fourteen suspects were arrested including the ring leader
The suspects, of Asian and African nationalities, were led by an Asian drug lord operating from outside the UAE, the authority said in a statement.
“In co-ordination with Bahraini security services, the ringleader was apprehended abroad and extradited to the UAE to face prosecution,” said the statement.
The operation followed extensive investigations and surveillance during which authorities tracked the suspects’ movements.
Investigators found that the gang had received instructions from the overseas ringleader to distribute narcotics across various parts of the country.
According to the authority, the total seizures included 56.623kg of narcotic substances, 8,159 psychotropic pills and a large quantity of electronic cigarettes filled with hashish oil, with an estimated value of about AED3.3 million (BD337,862).
Drugs seized by law enforcement personnel
“The operation forms part of a broader national strategy aimed at cutting off drug supply chains, not only by pursuing local distributors but also by targeting key figures managing criminal networks from abroad,” said the statement.
It stressed that regional and international co-operation remains essential in combating cross-border crimes, noting that ongoing co-ordination with partner agencies helped track the network, thwart its plans and bring those involved to justice.
Between January and April 2025, authorities in Bahrain recorded more than 700 drug-related cases and seized more than 182 kilograms of illegal substances.
Public in Bahrain can report any information related to drug smuggling or trafficking via the 24-hour hotline 996 or by email at 996@interior.gov.bh. Citizens and residents have been assured that all information will be treated with full confidentiality.
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