UAE detains two drug dealers after thwarting smuggling attempt

Teams from the UAE's Ministry of Interior have caught two men red-handed as they were preparing narcotic pills for distribution in the country.

The men were under surveillance by the ministry's anti-narcotics department following a tip-off, officials said. 

One batch of drugs was seized following raids at a storage unit, and another concealed in a mechanical excavator at a different site.

During interrogation, the men admitted to the crime, and revealed links to a group based in Hamburg and plans to smuggle the consignment through one of the UAE’s ports.

Officials added that one individual had entered the country on a visit visa.