Qatar thwarts major drug trafficking op

DRUGS HAUL: Packs of confiscated hashish. (AFP)

Qatari authorities have seized 320kg of hashish, thwarting "one of the biggest drug trafficking operations" in the Gulf state, the official QNA news agency revealed on Friday.

In a joint effort between the anti-narcotics department and several security agencies, 120kg of hashish were seized during a raid on an undisclosed location and "a number of people were arrested," QNA said.

Authorities also seized 471,000 Qatari rials ($130,000) during the raid, the news agency added without specifying when it took place.

It said the suspects detained in the raid confessed that there would be another attempt "by Asian nationals" to smuggle drugs into the country by sea, leading authorities to intercept the boat carrying the drugs as it approached the coast on Monday.

Two hundred kilogrammes of hashish were seized and an unspecified number of people were arrested, it added.

The oil-rich monarchies of the Gulf have proved a magnet for drug smugglers and impose heavy penalties for trafficking.

Drug trafficking in Qatar can carry the death penalty, while drug use is punishable by jail terms that can extend to a life sentence.

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I concur.
Posted by Eduardo, Abu Dhabi, UAE on Monday 8 September 2008 at 10:14 UAE time


Narcotics is a cancer. It's important to strike down hard, and to take a private stance against it.

Hells Produce!
Posted by Sinan on Saturday 6 September 2008 at 00:20 UAE time


It is sad to hear that there is a huge market for drugs in the Gulf countries.

1) All the property (houses, assets and boats) should be confiscated of these suspects who have brought this Disease to the region. They should get the most severe punishment that there is.

2) Anyone caught buying or using drugs should be shamed in the newspapers with their photographs.

3) We should ask, why is there a market for this! If we do not stop this in time, the results will be unreversable!

4) Children should be taught at home and school to say NO to this danger. Parents should not think and take for granted that their kids cannot get caught up in this Destructive habit.

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