Sharjah: The Sharjah Police, in coordination with Al Madam Municipality, seized 163 duplicate gas cylinders of various sizes manufactured and filled by unlicensed companies in farms located in Al Madam area of Sharjah and arrested four persons in connection with the racket.
The duplicate cylinders and other equipment were seized from a farm belonging to an Emirati in Al Madam area.
The suspects, one Sudanese and three Pakistani men, were involved in filling and refilling cylinders of low quality with cooking gas and selling them to restaurants, cafeterias and shops in various parts of the emirate at low prices. They were caught red-handed and confessed to their crime and the case was referred to public prosecution.
Police seized four machines used for refilling cylinders, four electronic scales and pipes of various sizes among other equipment used for the clandestine operations.
Police said gas and cylinders manufactured in this manner are not safe owing to their poor quality and could pose serious hazards to the public.
Sharjah Police officials said they received information from the Civil Defence and Al Madam municipality about the suspects’ illegal activities and tracked down the suspects after verifying the information.
This kind of activity can be deemed a criminal act since it affects the safety and security of the public and exposes people to danger, police said.
The police have appealed to the public to buy gas cylinders only from accredited suppliers and highlighted the importance of cooperating with the police to report any suspicious activities.