Dh2 tobacco is new addiction of school kids

Parents and police in Dubai are concerned about a new addiction among school children. Chaini Khaini, a type of tobacco with high nicotine content, is becoming increasingly popular with school kids in the emirate, according to a report in '7Days'.

It costs as little as Dh2 and is sold in most shops as the tobacco is not an illegal drug, said a top Dubai Police official.

General Abdul Jalil Mahdi, Head, Anti-narcotics Department, Dubai Police, said laboratory tests show the material has a high percentage of nicotine in it.

Waleed Mohammad Ahli, Head, Commercial Supervision, Economic Development Department, said, shops have been warned against selling the stuff. First time penalty for outlets caught selling the product is Dh2,000. Repeated offence will lead to temporary closure of the shop, he added.