Police seize 8,000 boxes of illegal fireworks since start of Ramadan

Dubai Police launched a campaign at the start of the holy month to raise awareness about the dangers of fireworks by distributing pamphlets printed in Arabic and English at Ramadan activities.

Dubai Police seized 7,933 boxes of fireworks with the agency warning those trying to sell them illegally could face fines of Dh10,000. Courtesy Dubai Police
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DUBAI // Almost 8,000 boxes of illegal fireworks have been seized by police since the beginning of Ramadan.

Brig Abdullah Al Ghaithi, director of the general department of protective security and emergency at Dubai Police, said patrols were deployed in different areas to search shops and storage units. Officers seized 7,933 boxes of fireworks.

“Dubai Police is adamant on implementing the law and on keeping the peace,” said Brig Al Ghaithi.

“It works hard to cooperate with all government entities to stop the spread of illegal fireworks that are considered sources of disturbance and that harm the environment and economy, and possibly disfigure children.

“A number of fires in the past have resulted from storing illegal fireworks in an unprofessional manner.”

Dubai Police launched a campaign at the start of the holy month to raise awareness about the dangers of fireworks by distributing pamphlets printed in Arabic and English at Ramadan activities. Flyers were posted near shops and mosques, while lectures were given at youth clubs.

“The campaign has been able to achieve its goals, and I hope that it destroys this negative phenomenon,” said Lt Col Ayoub Abdullah, the campaign’s head.

Brig Al Ghaithi warned that anyone found selling or storing fireworks would be fined and could face jail.

“They are ignoring the dangers of their actions. The law states that if a person is caught selling fireworks without a licence he will serve a jail sentence of no less than six months and/or have to pay Dh10,000.

“Also, even if a person has a licence to import fireworks he cannot sell them or store them without permission from the police or other relevant authorities.

“In this case, a person will serve no less than three months in jail and/or have to pay a Dh5,000 fine.”

Brig Al Ghaithi urged the public to call 8008888 if they suspected anyone of selling illegal fireworks.

dmoukhallati@thenational.ae