Dubai Police have arrested a notorious WhatsApp drugs dealer known as The Bat after a 10-day operation.
The suspect, in his 30s, whose nationality was not disclosed, was found in possession of 200 kilograms of drugs and two vehicles that he used to distribute and store illegal substances.
The force said his arrest came after questioning 527 drug dealers who are in custody for sending unsolicited messages to promote the sale of items such as illegal painkillers, hashish and crystal meth.
“By questioning suspects we were able to identify a man known as ‘The Bat’ among dealers. He is the righthand man of one of the most cunning international drug-trafficking leaders," said Brig Khalid bin Muwaiza, acting director of Dubai Police’s anti-narcotics department.
“One of the cars was found covered in dust in a car park where the man lived. He used it as storage for the drugs.
“His arrest helped us solve several other reports because we discovered the man promoted and sold drugs to other dealers, but never revealed his identity to them.”
Brig Muwaiza said the police's e-crime platform received more than 2,200 reports of illicit messages that were shared on WhatsApp during the first half of this year. These reports led to the arrests and helped to find several hidden stashes of narcotics, he said.
He said criminals typically share GPS co-ordinates with the buyers to lead them to the location of the drugs, which were usually buried in remote areas.
The senior officer urged members of the public to continue reporting illicit messages and told parents to educate their children about the dangers of using drugs.
The police campaign to report illicit WhatsApp messages that promote drugs and recommends blocking senders runs until the end of November under the theme No engagement ... No Reply ... No Repost.
"We spare no effort to fight this crime but there are concerns that people respond to such messages, especially young adults and children, just out of curiosity, and that remains an issue,” Brig Muwaiza said.
“We aim to raise more awareness among parents through this campaign.”
Dubai Police thwart international drug smuggling attempts - in pictures
Roger Federer's 2018 record
Australian Open Champion
Rotterdam Champion
Indian Wells Runner-up
Miami Second round
Stuttgart Champion
Halle Runner-up
Wimbledon Quarter-finals
Cincinnati Runner-up
US Open Fourth round
Shanghai Semi-finals
Basel Champion
Paris Masters Semi-finals
Biography
Her family: She has four sons, aged 29, 27, 25 and 24 and is a grandmother-of-nine
Favourite book: Flashes of Thought by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid
Favourite drink: Water
Her hobbies: Reading and volunteer work
Favourite music: Classical music
Her motto: I don't wait, I initiate
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Manchester United 2
(Martial 30', McTominay 90 6')
Manchester City 0
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Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
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What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
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Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
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Jiu-jitsu calendar of events for 2017-2018:
August 5:
Round-1 of the President’s Cup in Al Ain.
August 11-13:
Asian Championship in Vietnam.
September 8-9:
Ajman International.
September 16-17
Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games, Ashgabat.
September 22-24:
IJJF Balkan Junior Open, Montenegro.
September 23-24:
Grand Slam Los Angeles.
September 29:
Round-1 Mother of The Nation Cup.
October 13-14:
Al Ain U18 International.
September 20-21:
Al Ain International.
November 3:
Round-2 Mother of The National Cup.
November 4:
Round-2 President’s Cup.
November 10-12:
Grand Slam Rio de Janeiro.
November 24-26:
World Championship, Columbia.
November 30:
World Beach Championship, Columbia.
December 8-9:
Dubai International.
December 23:
Round-3 President’s Cup, Sharjah.
January 12-13:
Grand Slam Abu Dhabi.
January 26-27:
Fujairah International.
February 3:
Round-4 President’s Cup, Al Dhafra.
February 16-17:
Ras Al Khaimah International.
February 23-24:
The Challenge Championship.
March 10-11:
Grand Slam London.
March 16:
Final Round – Mother of The Nation.
March 17:
Final Round – President’s Cup.
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
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F1 The Movie
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Rating: 4/5
