Dubai Police foiled a major plot to distribute more than 2.3 tonnes of narcotic pills and other drugs across the UAE, arresting 14 people linked to an overseas organised crime network.

The seized drugs had an estimated street value of AED 115.19 million. The shipment was packed in 113 cartons and contained a wide range of narcotic and psychotropic substances.

The seized items included Xanax, Tramadol and Lyrica tablets, Mydriacyl eye drops, crystal methamphetamine, marijuana and drug-laced paper.

The case began after Dubai Police received intelligence that a criminal network was preparing to introduce a large quantity of drugs into the country’s distribution network.

Police then launched surveillance and investigative operations to identify those involved and determine how the network was organised.

After identifying the suspects and monitoring their movements, police carried out a coordinated operation to arrest them and prevent the distribution plot from being executed.

During the operation, 14 Asian suspects were arrested and legal proceedings were initiated against them. They will be referred to the relevant judicial authorities.

The drugs were also seized in full before they could enter the distribution network.

Dubai Police said questioning of the suspects revealed that they had links to an organised crime gang based overseas.