The dark alleys and street corners in Al Nahda 1 have turned into a hub of illegal activities these days and families say the area is becoming unsafe for them to reside.

The area near a well-known restaurant, a pharmacy and a supermarket is where the suspicious men gather. 'By 4pm, men gather in the alleys and give you dirty looks. We do not feel safe,' said several residents, who refuse to be identified for fear of reprisals from these men who sell banned tobacco products and phone call credits to people waiting in cars, taxis and vans.

Jigna S., a resident of the area, said the men would approach any car that slows down or stops in the area for a short time. 'They offer the people inside all sorts of banned items like gutka (chewing tobacco), betel leaves and supari (arecanut mix),' she said.

Workers of shops around the area said mobile phone recharging and cheap international calls are also on offer. 'You can see many men standing along a street and offering this service to people until 11pm,' they said.