President sets up National Anti-Narcotics Authority

The UAE President issues a federal decree-law establishing the National Anti-Narcotics Authority, and appointing Sheikh Zayed Bin Hamad Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan as Chairman of the new Authority.

As per the decree-law, the key mandates of the Authority will be as follows:

• Formulating and advancing policies, strategies, and legislation to address narcotics issues and related crimes.

• Combating drug trafficking by tracking and dismantling smuggling and distribution networks with competent authorities.

• Overseeing treatment and rehabilitation of addicts, conducting studies on addiction, and disseminating research.

• Proposing and establishing regulations for handling chemical precursors used for non-medical purposes.

• Coordinating with entities to monitor medical and pharmaceutical facilities against illegal drug sales.

• Managing a national platform to track narcotic and psychotropic substances with relevant authorities.

• Collaborating with countries and international organizations to exchange data on drug smuggling networks.