Over 13,000 individuals were involved in nearly 10,000 drug offences in 2024, reveals UAE ministry

Statistics from the Ministry of Interior revealed that 9,774 reports related to drug offences were recorded, while the number of defendants reached 13,513.

Amal Al Zeyoudi, Head of the Statistics and Studies Department at the General Directorate of Federal Narcotics Control at the Ministry of Interior, stated that the total amount of narcotics drugs and psychotropic substances seized amounted to approximately 12,340 kilograms. At the international level, the UAE has strengthened its collaboration with the international community in combating the smuggling and promotion of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. This has been achieved through cooperation with more than 24 countries worldwide, resulting in the seizure of 3,383 kilograms of drugs outside the country thanks to verified information reported by the UAE.

The Ministry of Interior, in cooperation with the Anti-Narcotics Council and the General Command of Abu Dhabi Police, organised the 2025 Drug Prevention Forum under the theme "A Conscious Family... A Safe Society." The forum is scheduled to continue until 29 June at the Galleria on Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi. The objective of the forum is to raise community awareness of the dangers of drugs and psychotropic substances, and to explore ways to prevent these from being abused, and to emphasise the pivotal role families play in protecting their children from this scourge and raising awareness of its harmful effects.

In November of the previous year, the UAE adopted the National Drug Control Strategy for the years 2024 to 2031. The strategy aims to achieve a drug-free UAE by 2031, and to work towards achieving national targets, contributing to a reduction in the death rate from drug abuse per million people and the proportion of drug users per 100,000 people.

The strategy encompasses a range of national programmes and initiatives, most notably the development of community immunity against drugs, the promotion of research in the science of detecting drug abuse, the support of the capabilities of groups at risk of abuse, the attraction and development of safe treatment and rehabilitation centres that enhance quality of life, the strengthening of job integration mechanisms to reduce drug recidivism rates, the curbing of drug imports, the control and deterrence of dealers and promoters, and the combating of international drug crimes.

The UAE has a strong commitment to combating drug abuse, evidenced by its substantial efforts to eradicate this societal scourge. These efforts encompass law enforcement initiatives, the establishment of addiction treatment and rehabilitation facilities, and the implementation of legal frameworks that safeguard fundamental rights and promote the principle of prevention.

The UAE's strategic approach to combating drugs is anchored in its national priorities and vision, with the prevention, safety and security of its citizens being of paramount importance.