26 drug peddlers arrested in Oman

In a major drive against drug traffickers and abusers, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) have arrested 26 people in 18 raids during first fortnight of the month, according to a press release on Thursday. "Arrests included traffickers who were selling narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances as well as some addicts," a spokesperson for ROP said, adding that the accused were peddling drugs near shops and market areas of Muttrah, Seeb and Mabelah districts. He added that the raids were successful largely due to cooperation of citizens and other residents in the areas. "The police needs continuous cooperation in dealing with the drug menace," the spokesperson said. Article continues below He assured that the identity of informers would be protected by the ROP and a hotline (1444) is kept for the same purpose. Meanwhile, the ROP has also arrested 15 expatriates of Asian origin for illegally providing international phone calls in Salalah.