Death penalty sort for 15 members of a gang accused of the trafficking and possession of $11 million worth of heroin.

Public Prosecutors in Sharjah are seeking the death penalty for 15 members of a gang accused of the trafficking and possession of $11 million worth of heroin.
The Public Prosecution handed over the case file to the Sharjah Criminal Court of First Instance on Wednesday which will schedule the first hearing next week.Attorney-General Abu Al Izz told UAE daily Khaleej Times the prosecution would call for the death penalty for the suspects as per Article 40 of the federal law for the year 1995.Police in Sharjah and Dubai were hailed by United Nations chiefs for August's heroin seizure, in what is thought to be the biggest ever haul confiscated in the Arab world.Mohammed Abdul-Aziz, UNODC's representative for the Middle East and North Africa, called the seizure "a spectacular success for the law enforcement authorities".The drugs were allegedly smuggled in modified fuel tanks of trucks imported into the UAE.Abu Al Izz said the prosecution will claim that all 15 members had played a role in processing, packaging and storing heroin in their warehouse and flat. Forensic tests revealed that the heroin had been mixed with other substances to increase its potency and fetch a higher market price.Four years in prison is the normal punishment for possession of drugs, while trafficking attracts death penalty.