Hamas burns drugs and booze in Gaza

Police hold public bonfire for anti-drug campaign.

Hamas burning drugs 311 AP (photo credit: Associated Press)
Hamas burning drugs 311 AP
(photo credit: Associated Press)
GAZA CITY — Police in Gaza have publicly burned large trash bags of drugs and alcohol bottles in what they say is an expanded anti-drug campaign.
Amer Issa, head of the Hamas anti-drug unit, said that the drugs were smuggled from Israel or Egypt.
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He said that in July, Gaza police seized 150 kilograms of marijuana, four kilograms of cocaine, 200 bottles of alcohol and 2 million pain killer tablets many Gazans have been abusing as a narcotic.
Hamas has enforced its strict version of Islam, including banning alcohol and drugs, since it seized control of Gaza in 2007.
Gaza's Attorney General Mohammed Abed said Tuesday that the arrested drug dealers connected to the July raid will face trial soon. He said some might be executed.