Man arrested with 1 tonne of fake saffron

A man was arrested with one tonne of fake saffron as he was trying to sell the product in one of the markets in Dubai.

Ahmad Al Awadhi, head of intellectual property rights protection in the control of trade and consumer protection, at DED said, inspectors of the Department of Economic Development (DED) during their routine visits found the man selling the fake saffron, Emarat Al Youm reported.

The inspectors grew suspicious when they found that the man was selling the product for Dh2,000 per kg, while the actual price of saffron ranged between Dh8,000 to Dh12,000. On inspecting it closely they found that what he was selling is a lose mixture of saffron powder mixed with larger quantities of vermicelli, pasta and with some colors.

Setting a trap, the inspectors posing as ordinary men then showed intentions to buy the entire load of fake saffron. He agreed to deliver product the Corniche in Deira.

The accused was then arrested in coordination of Dubai Police with the entire haul.