Officials brief media during a press conference.

Sohaila Ahmed, Sahar Ejaz

The Dubai Police’s Anti-Narcotic Department recently revealed interesting developments of their drug control mission, in which officials pointed out that in 2017, about 365 drug addicts were handed over to police by their families to receive necessary treatment.

Brigadier Eid Mohammad Thani Hareb, Director of Anti-Narcotic Department, said that UAE’s drug law is opening doors for parents to protect their addict family members without any legal actions; thus, allowing more addicts to step forward and admit their problem in order to solve it.

In 2019, a number of 160 addicts had turned themselves in, while in 2018 there were 121 addicts and 75 addicts in 2017.

Moreover, 40 out of last year’s 160 addicts were handed over by police to their families to be admitted in rehabilitation centers. After receiving treatment, police discharge their cases to live a normal healthy life.

Brig. Hareb added, “Addicts are supervised by counsellors who follow-up and conduct regular medical check-ups for a full year; and at times, addicts receive surprise calls to do the check-up.”

The UAE’s drug law protects drug users from being charged with a criminal case as long as they come forward and admit their need of treatment.

Major-General Khalil Ebrahim Al Mansouri, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Criminal Investigation Affairs, pointed out that this law greatly contributes in fighting narcotics in an extremely positive step, to help build a better future for all drug addicts and maintain security of the UAE community.

“Dubai Police are not only concerned with arresting drug dealers to achieve drug control, but also treat and help drug users to maintain their safety and security of others around them,” Maj. Gen. Al Mansouri.

In addition, Colonel Abdullah Al Khayat, Manager of Hemaya International Centre at Dubai Police, pointed that the addicts’ families must inform authorities of their children’s need of treatment to actually benefit from UAE’s drug law.

Article 43 of the Anti-Narcotics Law spares addicts from legal punishment if they voluntarily give themselves up to police. The law also imposes upon addicts to hand over drugs in possession, and receive treatment. Addicts will face legal charges if they refuse to get treated.

The Hemaya International Centre carries out multiple educational programs for youth, aiming at raising their awareness about illegal usage of drugs. In 2019, about 51,705 people joined these programs and are making great progress in their life.

Dubai Police had launched a smart application for addicts, titles “Hemaya”, to communicate with authorities and their awareness about the deadly effects of drugs. In 2019, Hemaya application received around 2,166 questions and answers from its users.

The application include multiple electronic services, such as “Amna” service, which is an intelligent chat service for all inquiries about drug awareness. It also helps addicts find locations of rehabilitation centres and provide consultations to benefit them and their families.

The smart service also include channels to ask for help or report a drug dealer.


Sahar is an intern at Gulf Today. She covers Culture, Arts, and social issues.