Daijiworld Media Network – Muscat

Muscat, Oct 31: In a decisive operation, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) have successfully dismantled a cell of an international drug trafficking gang, underscoring the Sultanate’s firm stance against narcotics smuggling and its commitment to public safety.

According to ROP sources, five Asian nationals were arrested during a series of meticulously coordinated raids led by the General Directorate for Combating Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, in cooperation with the South Al Batinah Police Command.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the suspects were part of a network involved in smuggling narcotics into Oman, preparing shipments for re-export, and distributing drugs within the country.

Police acted after detecting suspicious movements near Oman’s borders, planning a detailed interception strategy that led to arrests across multiple locations. The ROP also released a 2-minute, 56-second video showcasing the precision and coordination of the operation.

This latest success follows a similar case in October, when authorities detained a man of Arab nationality carrying over 24 kilograms of narcotic drugs in two travel bags aboard a passenger bus. He reportedly intended to both traffic and consume the substances.

In another unrelated case, police in North Al Batinah Governorate arrested a repeat offender with a history of drug abuse for stealing air conditioning units from homes in Sohar. Legal proceedings in both matters are currently underway.

Officials said these operations reflect Oman’s continued vigilance against transnational crime and its comprehensive enforcement strategy — from intercepting smugglers at the borders to dismantling internal distribution networks.

Authorities reaffirmed that legal action against the arrested suspects is ongoing, demonstrating the Sultanate’s structured and transparent approach to law enforcement and its steadfast resolve to protect citizens from the dangers of drug trafficking.