DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates has arrested 21 employees of nine companies operating in the oil-rich state on suspicion of money laundering, local media reported on Sunday. An 18-month investigation revealed that “proceeds from the sale of illegal drugs in Western countries were being funnelled into European banks and then transferred to banks in the UAE,” the Gulf News quoted central bank governor Sultan bin Nasser al-Suwaidi as telling a news conference. The governor declined to give details about the amount of money involved but said the assets of the companies had been frozen. A police statement said the individuals arrested had been European, US and Asian citizens, the paper reported. The UAE, from where much of the cash used by Islamic militants to finance the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States was reportedly transferred, has launched a crackdown on suspect money.