Authorities in Sharjah have dismantled an illegal water bottling operation after discovering a residential property being used to bottle and sell ordinary tank water as Zamzam water, Khaleej Times reported on Wednesday.
The Sharjah City Municipality conducted the raid in coordination with its Control and Inspection Department and the Health Control and Safety Department following routine inspections that raised red flags.
Officials observed vehicles loading bottled water from a house, prompting immediate action. During the raid, one individual was caught on the premises, where cartons and plastic bottles falsely labelled as Zamzam water were being filled under unsanitary conditions.
The counterfeit water was being sold at inflated prices and promoted via social media platforms. Authorities immediately launched legal and administrative procedures against the suspect.
“The municipality works continuously to monitor negative behaviours that affect community health, taking legal measures against anyone attempting to defraud people through illegitimate means,” said Obaid Al Teneiji, Director General of Sharjah City Municipality.
During the inspection, financial records linked to RT Mineral Water Trading Company, a licensed business owned by the suspect, were recovered. Authorities said the individual was using the legitimate company to issue invoices and mislead customers.
The Sharjah Municipality contacted the Department of Economic Development, which promptly shut down the business. Sharjah Police have taken the suspect into custody for further investigation.
All counterfeit goods were confiscated, and the residential property used in the operation was sealed in accordance with established procedures.
Municipal authorities urged the public to report any suspicious commercial activities and reaffirmed their commitment to public health and consumer protection.
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