Published: January 20, 2011 12:24 pm ET

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It has been reported that police in Dubai have detained three individuals on suspicion that they have produced and sold 'robot jockeys' which are designed to emit electric shocks to camels in order for the animals to perform faster in races.

An article by RIA Novosti explains that the suspected individuals were apprehended while in the process of trying to sell two of the machines for 15,000 dirhams ($1,808 U.S.).

The sport of camel racing is popular in the United Arab Emirates, and the report states that in the past Sheik Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum bought 16 camels for $4.5 million.

(With files from RIA Novosti)