In the UAE, we have been aware of the seriousness of the scourge of drugs, its spread among members of society and the gravity of crimes and financial and human losses caused by them.
DUBAI: There has been an increase in the number of drug-related arrests in the UAE from 90 in 2016 to 199 last year.
This was gathered at the 13th Hemaya International Forum & Exhibition on Drug Issues held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and inaugurated by Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Under the theme, “Foreseeing the Future of the Global Combat of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances: Predictions, Preparations and Prevention Strategies for 2030,” the event was also held in the presence of Lt. General Saif Abdullah Al Shafar, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior; His Excellency, Lt. General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Deputy Chairman of Police and Public Security in Dubai; and Maj. Gen. Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, Chairman of the Higher Committee for Hemaya International Programme; and a number of officers, heads of delegations, government representatives and a number of experts and specialists in the field at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center.
The keynote session was given by His Excellency Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Deputy Chief of Police and Public Security in Dubai, Chairman of the National Anti-Narcotics Council, who noted that studies have shown most cases of drug abuse per capita begin in adolescence, bringing forth the need for parents to be closer with their children, follow up their affairs and stay alert to the threats that may surround them.
He pointed out that there has been increase in the number of arrests to an average rate of 40.6% since the Anti-Narcotics Council took over the control, noting that there were 199 arrests in 2017 compared to 90 in 2016.
‘Scourge’
Brigadier Eid Mohammed Thani Hareb, Director of the General Department of Anti-Narcotics – Dubai Police, delivered the opening speech in which he said, “In the United Arab Emirates, we have been aware of the seriousness of the scourge of drugs and its spread among members of society and the gravity of crimes and financial and human losses caused by them.
“We have chosen to be decisive at the local level and to be open at the global level to various international and regional efforts involved in the reduction of their proliferation.”
The forum discussed topics related to drugs and its effect on communities, suggested solutions and explored ways to combat and prevent drug addiction. The conference also reviewed necessary actions governments should take through their security systems to combat drugs, raise public awareness about their dangers and develop solutions in order to eliminate this phenomenon completely. Moreover, it likewise highlighted the various international cooperation mechanisms involved in combating global drug abuse.
