Sharjah: Five Arab men have been arrested in Sharjah for selling and promoting firecrackers online, police said.
The police had received information about a number of social media accounts with images of firecrackers and offered delivery service across the UAE.
The suspects promoted and sold crackers through Instagram, police said on Saturday.
The accounts were monitored by Sharjah Police’s online patrols and later an undercover officer approached the suspects to buy firecrackers. The suspects were arrested red handed while they handed over the items to the officer.
Colonel Ebrahim Al Ajel, director of the Criminal and Investigation Department of Sharjah Police, urged public to report any harmful or potentially dangerous practices to the police.
Parents, he said, should also educate their children about the dangers of fireworks as they can lead to injuries and can cause disabilities or death.
The police warned residents against use of fireworks during Ramadan and holiday periods, while urging them to take precautions against unauthorised usage by some people.
The department emphasised the risk and fire hazard associated with children playing with fireworks.
Police warned traders against bringing in and selling firecrackers and fireworks, especially to children, because the items pose a threat to lives and public safety.
The police urged community members to immediately report any promotion or use of fireworks by calling the Operations Room on 901 or on the toll-free number (Najeed) 800151, via SMS 7999, email najeed@shjpolice.gov.ae or log on to www.shjpolice.gov.ae/najeed
