Latest news with #Anti-NarcoticsDirectorate
Daily Tribune
13-06-2025
- Daily Tribune
Bid to smuggle 11kgs of drugs via air cargo foiled
The Anti-Narcotics Directorate at the General Directorate of Criminal Investigation and Forensic Science, in coordination with the Air Customs Directorate at Customs Affairs, foiled an attempt to smuggle more than 11 kilograms of narcotic substances via air cargo. It was part of ongoing security cooperation and efforts to combat drug trafficking and protect community safety. The seized drugs have an estimated street value of BD64,000. Air Customs officers intercepted a postal package containing 1.156 kilograms of synthetic cannabis. Investigation The seized parcel was handed over to the Anti-Narcotics Directorate, which launched an investigation. Authorities were able to identify and arrest the intended recipient of the parcel, who is a 20-year-old Asian. An additional 10 kilograms of drugs were seized from him. All necessary legal measures have been taken, and the case has been referred to the Public Prosecution. The Criminal Media Division reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing community partnerships through awareness lectures and exhibitions aimed at preventing drug use.
Daily Tribune
11-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Tribune
Civil Defence handles nearly 6,000 incidents in just five months this year
More than 5,900 fires, road accidents, leaks and rescues were handled by Bahrain's Civil Defence between January and mid-May, according to newly released figures. The reports totalled 5,957. Of these, 879 were fire-related, 245 were calls for help, 145 involved leaks, and 53 were traffic crashes. In April alone, the service dealt with 1,375 incidents, including 210 fires and 695 requests for assistance. Accidents There were also 121 accidents on the roads and 17 cases involving fallen trees, poles or signage. Ambulance crews fielded 5,226 calls that same month. The majority involved people who were unwell, with 3,841 such reports, while 409 calls came after traffic crashes. Patient transfers A further 503 involved patient transfers between private hospitals and emergency departments. There were also 35 fire-linked calls and 438 for other matters. Meanwhile, 2,565 drug cases were recorded over a 15-month period by the Anti-Narcotics Directorate. In 2024 alone, 1,849 cases were logged. Most of these, 1,371, were inside Bahrain. The rest were picked up at the King Fahad Causeway with 201 cases, the airport with 276, and one case at sea. Inland In the first three months of this year, a further 626 drug cases were recorded. Again, most took place inland. The drugs hotline received 1,237 reports last year. In the first quarter of 2025, there were 283. Cross-border police operations with neighbouring countries and allies included 132 joint efforts last year, mainly with GCC states and the US. In the first third of this year, 88 more were carried out involving Australia, Pakistan, Jordan and the US Consulate General. Enforcement A series of talks and campaigns ran alongside enforcement. There were 300 lectures in 2024, said to have reached about 16,000 people. Another 25 lectures were held in the first months of 2025, along with eight exhibitions. Six campaigns were held last year, reaching 1,855 participants. Rehabilitation scheme The 'Taafi' rehabilitation scheme reported 100 former addicts finishing the programme last year. Fifty-one others did so in the first quarter of 2025. Partners helped launch 122 projects linked to anti-drug work. April data from the Interior Ministry also shows police patrols responded to 2,701 cases. Around 30 per cent were traffic-related, 6 per cent involved law breaches, and 64 per cent were general response calls. The Economic Crimes Directorate handled 9,184 cases in 2024 and a further 972 by April this year. The Cybercrime Directorate recorded 1,633 reports in 2024 and 657 so far this year. The Anti-Corruption and Economic Security Directorate dealt with 126 cases in 2024 and 50 in the first four months of 2025. Asian suspects A large share of online scams and credit card fraud is still traced to Asian suspects, particularly from East Asia. Certain African groups remain linked to forged currency and black-market trading. Coast Guard records show 81 cases in April, 34 of them tied to search and rescue or stranded vessels. Six marine accidents were recorded. Forty-one sea-based assists were provided.
Daily Tribune
21-05-2025
- Daily Tribune
Man cleared in drug parcel case
An appeals court has overturned a 15-year prison sentence handed to an Asian man accused of drug trafficking after finding the only link to the case was his name written on a parcel. The High Criminal Court of Appeal ruled there was no direct evidence linking him to a parcel sent from Europe, which was found to contain a kilogram of marijuana hidden in toy kits. Judges determined that his name had been used without his knowledge and that no drugs were discovered on him or at his residence. Two other men, however, were not spared, and their convictions were upheld. Sentences Both were sentenced to 15 years in prison, fined BD5,000 each, and ordered to be deported once their sentences are served. All seized items remained in custody. The parcel arrived at Bahrain International Airport in the summer last year. A customs officer working in the postal unit noticed irregularities when it passed through an X-ray scanner. Herbal substance What appeared to be toy assembly kits were hiding two transparent bags containing a green herbal substance. Tests confirmed the substance was marijuana, weighing one kilogram. The parcel was handed over to the anti-narcotics section at the airport. This led to a covert investigation by a captain in the Anti-Narcotics Directorate who concluded that the three defendants were part of a group importing drugs into Bahrain.
Daily Tribune
22-04-2025
- Daily Tribune
Drugs found hidden in toys in parcel; two men handed jail sentences
Foil-wrapped bags of drugs hidden among children's toys in a postal parcel have blown the lid off a trafficking set-up, ending with two men handed prison sentences of 15 and 10 years. The High Criminal Appeals Court has put off the latest hearing to allow closing arguments and to appoint a lawyer for the second appellant. It all began when a customs officer, stationed at the post, noticed something odd about a package. When he opened it, he found toys. However, tucked between them, there were also bags clinging to sheets of foil. Signal The officer marked the parcel with an agreed signal and passed word to the Anti-Narcotics Directorate. Not long after, the first man turned up to collect the box. He was taken in straight away. Questioned by prosecutors, he admitted knowing what was inside and said he was collecting it for payment. He named a second man, claiming he was tied up in drug sales with someone of Asian descent. A captain in the drug squad looked into it and found the two were part of a group bringing narcotics into Bahrain. Warrant of arrest A warrant was issued, and the second man was picked up. Lab tests showed the parcel contained marijuana. The first man's urine tested positive for morphine, methamphetamine and clonazepam. The second's sample came back showing methamphetamine. Phone When the first man's phone was examined, investigators found photos of drugs and voice messages about selling them. Prosecution later confirmed he had already served time on earlier drug charges. He had been sentenced in a previous case for possession with intent to sell and use.
Daily Tribune
10-04-2025
- Daily Tribune
Five drug dealers arrested
The Anti-Narcotics Directorate of the General Directorate of Criminal Investigation and Forensic Science arrested five individuals of different nationalities, aged 28 to 51, for drug dealing and planting narcotics in a house that is equipped for such purpose. The market value of the confiscated narcotics is over BD1 million.
