Twelve people were arrested after they were found gambling in an apartment by police tracking down a couple using drugs, Dubai Criminal Court was told on Wednesday.
Dubai Police’s drug control department was told a Chinese woman and her countryman were in possession of and were using drugs in an apartment in Naif.
Police raided the apartment at nearly 2am on June 15.
"We didn't find any drugs but found 12 people gambling," said an Emirati police lieutenant, 34.
He said many tables were set up throughout the two-bedroom apartment surrounded by players, and money in different currencies.
"There were more than Dh20,000 and $850, as well as cheques and valuable items," said the lieutenant.
All gambling paraphernalia including playing cards and dice were seized. Police searched a man who ran the gambling ring.
"When we searched him we found a lot of money and cheques signed by some of the players in his possession," the officer said.
The suspects were referred to the criminal investigations department after they tested positively for drugs.
Police said they admitted to gambling during questioning.
Prosecutors said both the 43-year-old woman and her countryman, 44, who were initially reported for using drugs ran the gambling den.
They allegedly admitted to a charge of running a gambling den while the ten others, all Chinese aged between 37 and 54, were charged with gambling.
The defendant did not appear in court to face charges. The next hearing will be on October 17 to summon the defendants.
