UAE- Man arrested for selling paan, supari

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) The UAQ Municipality, in collaboration with the law enforcement bodies in the emirate, has arrested an Asian man while selling prohibited narcotic items to some shops here. According to a senior official, Paan and Supari narcotic substances were found in the suspect's car. Ghanem Ali, Head of Public Health at the UAQ Police, said all the contraband amounts found in his car were seized. "He was also referred to the prosecution for legal action." Ali warned all the shopkeepers about offering such prohibited items for sale. "These narcotics are very dangerous, particularly for young kids who can get easily addicted to drugs." Adding, he said the Public Health Section of the UAQ Municipality is intensifying inspection raids to curb this growing negative phenomenon among young generations, and prevent all shops from selling these narcotics. "Paan, having the same impact of narcotics, is very dangerous to health, and leads to a number of diseases, and damages the nerve system." Paan, which is stimulating, psychoactive preparation of betel leaf combined with areca nut and/or cured tobacco, is banned as per the local directive No 11/2003- Article 66 and Niswar is outlawed as per the circular No 23/2003, because of their harmful effect on public health. Paan is chewed and finally spat out or swallowed. "Chewers of these substances also leave ugly marks on the ground and walls tarnishing the image of the city." Ali said the UAQ Municipality and police spare no effort to protect all consumers against prohibited substances, particularly Paan and Supari. "As per law, we are all urged to report any such illegal acts to the concerned bodies (municipality or police), as such activities pose a risk to all members of the society."