Openness and boom lure drug gangs to UAE

The UAE has remained a main target of international drug gangs seeking to promote their poisons given its strategic location, openness and economic prosperity, according to a prominent UAE social expert.

Dr. Abdullah Al-Awadhi, a consultant at the National Human Resources Development and Recruitment Authority said this had prompted the second largest Arab economy to double its efforts to face that menace, adding that counter-drug authorities have made great progress in this field.

In an article published by the Abu Dhabi-based Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies ad Research (ECSSR), Awadi said the menace of drug abuse in the UAE cannot be separated from its global context, particularly when the origins of this problem lie outside the country and as a large number of foreign nationalities reside in the emirates.

“Certain criminal elements exploit the UAE’s policy of openness to smuggle in narcotic substances.

"Two other main factors have contributed to the rise of this crime: the geographical location of the country that is viewed as a transit point between drug-producing and drug-consuming countries, and the UAE’s remarkable prosperity that has lured criminal elements to make profits through this nefarious trade,” said Awadi, author of several books.

“To combat the economic, social and security hazards of this menace, the UAE has adopted an integrated strategy.”

He said the first part of the strategy pertains to the security dimension, particularly the prosecution of criminals that are involved in the smuggling and trafficking of narcotic substances.

“In this regard, security services in the UAE have achieved great success both within the country and abroad, information provided by UAE security services has helped in the detection of several drug-trafficking networks in many countries,” he said.

Citing police data, he said that cases related to narcotics in the UAE increased significantly in the first quarter of 2012, standing at 238 compared to 160 cases in the first quarter of last year.

Security agencies have cracked down on many smuggling operations, he said, noting that the Ministry of Interior recently busted the smuggling of 131 kg of ‘crystal methamphetamine’, which was being carried in a boat in Dubai.

On April 5, 2012, Dubai Customs arrested a gang of women trying to smuggle drugs into the country through the Dubai International Airport.

About 10.4kg of crystal methamphetamine was found hidden in the secret pockets of a passenger bag. On April 9, 2012, the General Department of Anti-Narcotics of the Dubai Police announced that it had recently seized 51 kg of opium, valued at over Dh2.5 million, from smugglers.

“These are only a few examples of smuggling bids being foiled.

"Security forces have increased their round-the-clock vigil in this regard and the successes they have achieved in busting drug-trafficking gangs testify to the experience and professionalism of our security forces in dealing with issues that threaten the security and stability of society,” said Awadi, a holder of a doctorate degree in criminal sociology from the University of Manchester.

“Therefore, it is important that all segments of the country’s society are made aware of the seriousness of the drugs problem. Given the fact that this problem originates from outside the country and is not rooted in society, it can only be fought by raising awareness.”

Awadi noted that the Ministry of Interior and the police have made efforts to reach out to vulnerable segments of the population by informing them about the serious consequences of drug abuse.

These government organizations have also started rehabilitation programmes to help drug addicts give up their habit, he said, adding that they have fostered their reintegration in society and followed up on their condition to ensure that they do not become addicts again.

“There are also several civic bodies engaged in raising awareness about the ills of drug abuse, especially among the youth. The media also plays an important role in explaining the problems related to drug abuse.”

Awadi also cited efforts by the Ministries of Health and Education as well as by the National Rehabilitation Center (NRC) in Abu Dhabi which he said is playing an important role in combating this phenomenon.

“The Centre’s role is not limited to providing treatment and rehabilitation to drug addicts but also focuses on the importance of raising awareness and educating people about the dangers of addiction,” he said.

“We must draw attention to the fact that drug smuggling and trafficking gangs are generally more dangerous and ruthless in their operations.

"They often impose a stranglehold on areas where they operate, and do not hesitate in killing people who report on their members. The lives of anti-drug personnel are always in peril as they seek to bust these dangerous gangs.” 

Dubai reports rise in drug seizures

ubai anti-drug squads seized 1,116 people involved in narcotic smuggling this year compared with 962 in 2010, according to a senior police officer.

Those arrested this year were involved in 806 drug cases against 680 cases in 2010, Dubai deputy police commander Major General Khamis Al Muzainah said.

Muzainah made the comment during a visit to the anti-drug division as part of a routine tour of police departments in the emirate.

“After his visit, Muzainah asked the division to conduct a new study on the reasons for the increase in drug addicts in the emirate and to stage more awareness campaigns and lectures,” 'Emarat Al Youm' daily said.

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