ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates - Saturday, August 2nd 2014 [ME NewsWire]

According to Colonel Dr. Rashid Mohammad Borshid, Head of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), the Abu Dhabi Police recently arrested a GCC national student for promoting fireworks using social media websites. He explained that the suspect was found in possession of 14 boxes with 483 firecracker sets of different shapes, types, and sizes which are deemed illegal for private use and dangerous, most of which were stored in an unsafe way at his residence.

In detail, Colonel Borshid noted that the Organized Crime Section affiliated with the department had received a reliable tip-off about a young man promoting fireworks using social media websites. The section investigated the case and validated the information. “Following concise legal proceedings, a team was formed to track the suspect's activity. The suspect, identified as A. Kh. (21 years old), was arrested  in Al Shahama city, Abu Dhabi, in possession of 3 firecracker boxes displayed for wholesale at AED 1000 per box”, he said.

He added that after inspecting the suspect’s residence, in coordination with the Weapons and Explosives Department at the Abu Dhabi Police, another 11 boxes were found. He also noted that some of the seized fireworks are designed for use by specialized companies and trained technicians and should be stored properly in special and secure locations; and are deemed illegal for private use due to their dangerous risks on their users.  

For his part, the suspect who is a student at a vocational training center confessed that he was in possession of the goods with the intention of promoting and selling using social media websites at different prices. The suspect and the confiscated fireworks were referred to the public prosecution to pursue further investigation into the circumstances of the case.

Moreover, Colonel Borshid warned against the risks of using and promoting fireworks; noting that curbing the spread of fireworks is a societal collective responsibility due to its risks on community members and especially children, in addition to the damages they cause to properties in case of fire.

It is worth mentioning that Abu Dhabi Police had recently launched an outreach campaign implemented by the Security Media Department, the General Secretariat of the Office of H.H Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, under the slogan “Your Safety”. The initiative aims to raise awareness about the risks associated with bad behaviors, particularly the use and promotion of fireworks and firecrackers during the holy month of Ramadan and Eid El Fitr.

  Colonel Borshid stressed that the Abu Dhabi Police will pursue its campaign to curb this nefarious scourge, including smuggling, promotion and use of fireworks, due to their adverse impacts on health, economy and the environment. “Firecrackers can potentially cause severe physical damage, burn injuries, and even deaths and so threaten the life of those who use them, especially children, who are unaware of the proper ways to handle hazardous materials. Moreover, fireworks have significant economical damages, such as starting fires in homes and others. Not to mention the detrimental environmental impact of these fires,” explained Colonel Borshid.   Furthermore, he urged the public to take parts in the efforts aimed at reducing the risks of fireworks by quickly calling the Operations Room on (999) if they witnessed or suspected anyone selling or playing with illegal fireworks. He also urged them to call the “Aman” Service on the toll free number 8002626, which receives information confidentially, or via SMS on 2828.   Head of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at the Abu Dhabi Police praised the role played by the competent authorities in curbing the spread of fireworks. “Maintaining the safety of our children, our economy, our security and stability is a collective social responsibility that is not only limited to police officers,” indicated Colonel Borshid.   He also underscored that the UAE strives to position itself in the front row amongst the most advanced world countries in terms of safety and security, as stipulated by the Ministry of Interior’s vision. “The UAE’s achievements in the fields of security and safety are prestigious and significant gains that we need to maintain and promote, so as to support the efforts to combat and eradicate crime, and preserve community members’ safety,” he concluded.

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The Arabic-language text of this announcement is the official, authoritative version. Translations are provided as an accommodation only, and should be cross-referenced with the Arabic-language text, which is the only version of the text intended to have legal effect.

Contacts

The UAE Minister of Interior's General Secretariat, Tactical Affairs and Security Media Department

Abu Dhabi Police GHQ - Security Media

Chris Cron +971-(0)-50-987-1317

E-mail: cron.media@hotmail.com

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