Dubai: Dubai Police have successfully dismantled a criminal gang of three individuals who attempted to smuggle 89,760 Captagon tablets hidden inside clothing buttons. The narcotics, weighing 18.93 kilograms and valued at AED 4.488 million, were seized before they could be trafficked abroad. The operation was carried out in close coordination with the General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Operation “Toxic Buttons”

The operation, codenamed Toxic Buttons, is part of Dubai Police’s continuous efforts to combat drug trafficking and thwart criminal schemes targeting young people. The success came after a carefully planned security strategy to track the suspects in cooperation with national authorities. Investigators confirmed that the gang had concealed the drugs in a Dubai apartment and another location in a neighbouring emirate.

Dubai Police confirmed that operation began with reliable intelligence indicating that a three-member gang, consisting of two Arab nationals and one Asian national, was preparing to receive narcotics and smuggle them to a neighbouring country under the direction of their leader abroad. A specialised task force was immediately formed, legal permissions were secured from Dubai’s Public Prosecution, and the suspects’ movements, vehicles, and residences were placed under surveillance.

Round-the-Clock Surveillance

The suspects repeatedly attempted to change the hiding locations of the drugs, treating them as ordinary goods, but every move was monitored around the clock by Dubai Police’s anti-narcotics teams. At the designated time, officers raided the premises where the gang had hidden the pills inside clothing buttons, believing it to be an ingenious method that would go undetected. However, they were surprised by the expertise of Dubai Police, who uncovered the drugs despite the elaborate concealment.

Operational Excellence 

Dubai Police credited the operation’s success to the skill and experience of its officers, who are well trained to identify and counter new concealment methods used by traffickers. The force reaffirmed its determination to dismantle criminal networks, bring offenders to justice, and protect the community from the scourge of drugs.

These specialised field operations highlight the advanced capabilities of Dubai Police in combating organised crime through modern investigative techniques, sophisticated security planning, and international cooperation with law enforcement agencies.

Commitment to International Cooperation

Dubai Police concluded by affirming that the success of the operation reflects the guidance of the UAE’s leadership and its commitment to strengthening international cooperation in combating organised crime. The Force also reiterated its support for global law enforcement efforts to build a society free from drugs and to make the world a safer place for all.