UAE seizes over 12 tonnes of drugs, apprehends more than 13,000 suspects in 2024
The Ministry of Interior has seized approximately 12,340 kilogrammes of narcotics and psychotropic drugs in 2024, the authority revealed on Thursday.
In a video on Instagram, it said, that they recorded 9,774 reports related to drug crimes in 2024, and apprehended 13,513 suspects.
The video was posted on International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking which is observed annually on June 26. This year's theme, 'A Conscious Family… A Safe Society,' underscores the UAE's steadfast commitment to combating the pervasive threat of narcotics.
The UAE is intensifying its local and international efforts to confront the multifaceted dangers of drugs to individuals and society.
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This commitment is driven by a comprehensive national strategy rooted in awareness, prevention, and treatment, alongside the continuous enhancement of security and intelligence capabilities to counter the evolving challenges posed by cross-border drug crimes.
Amal Al Zeyoudi, Head of Statistics and Studies at the Federal General Directorate for Drug Control at the Ministry of Interior, said that exceptional efforts in drug control have been made in 2024, leading to tangible results in community protection and security enhancement.
Al Zeyoudi also highlighted the UAE's proactive approach to international cooperation in drug control. Through coordination and collaboration with over 24 countries worldwide, an additional 3,383 kilogrammes of narcotic substances were seized outside the country, demonstrating the UAE's global reach in combating this illicit trade.
Drug Prevention Forum in Abu Dhabi
The 'Drug Prevention Forum' commenced on June 19 in Abu Dhabi, under the patronage of Lieutenant General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, and Chairman of the Anti-Narcotics Council, in a significant move to bolster preventive measures.
The forum, themed 'A Conscious Family… A Safe Society,' is organised by the Ministry of Interior in collaboration with the Anti-Narcotics Council and the Abu Dhabi Police General Headquarters.
The event, hosted at Galleria Mall on Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, from 10am to 10pm, will run until June 29. This forum is an integral part of the Ministry of Interior's integrated anti-drug strategy, which prioritises prevention and awareness as the first line of defense by engaging all segments of society in preventive efforts.
The forum targets a broad spectrum of community groups, including adolescents and youth aged 15 to 25, parents, specialists in prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation, government agency and educational institution employees, community leaders, and influential social media personalities.
The forum features a series of interactive events and innovative programs, including the Drug Prevention Council, Future Leaders Council, psychological and social counselling sessions, discussion panels, a prevention podcast, and innovative approaches like AI-powered prevention and virtual reality experiences, alongside electronic shooting activities.
'Mukafih' for community awareness
The Ministry of Interior, represented by the Federal General Directorate for Drug Control, provides the 'Mukafih' (Fighter) service to educate community members about the harms of drug abuse.
This service aims to raise public awareness about the dangers of drugs and extend a helping hand to those who have fallen victim to drug gangs. It further empowers parents to detect early signs of drug use and addiction within the family and encourages families and community members to cooperate with security and police agencies by calling the toll-free number 80044.
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