Dubai crackdown

Dozens of dodgy goods and illegal vendors seized Discuss this article

More than 200 illegal street vendors and unauthorised workers were arrested by Dubai Police last month as part of a city-wide crackdown against counterfeit goods and illegal labour.

A total of 2,474 fakes, including clothes, perfumes, cameras and watches were confiscated during daily spot checks during June.

Also, 2,435 pirate DVDs, 62 pornographic films, and 218 food items, including boxes of fruits and vegetables, were seized.

Some 201 people were arrested, including 131 illegal street vendors, 28 beggars, 28 car washers and 14 butchers and fish cleaners working without authorisation, Dubai Municipality said on Thursday.

"The law-breakers, who belong to various nationalities, will be handed over to the Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department for deportation in coordination with Dubai Police," a statement said.

"The seized goods will be destroyed and disposed off safely after legal actions are taken against the violators."

The counterfeit initiative is run by Dubai Municipality, Dubai Police and the Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department.