Abu Dhabi police to use on-road drug test

The Abu Dhabi Police have signed a memorandum of understanding with an international company, whereby it acquires the franchise to use the latest drug screening device (DrugAlyser).

This roadside test analyses the amount of drugs in the human body, and results appear within five minutes.

Brigadier General Dr Saif Bu Dhufaira Al Ameri, Director General of Security and Ports Affairs indicated that this new procedure reflects the Abu Dhabi Police GHQ’s keenness to maintain the UAE’s leading position, as the first country to use the latest scientific innovations in the service of security work, to achieve absolute justice for all, and maintain the highest standards of human rights.

“The Departments of Strategy and Performance Development, and Privatisation and Resources Development both took part in verifying the DrugAlyser’s quality, and in validating that the manufacturing company is implementing the international quality standards.

“The drug-testing device was also submitted to various stages of field and lab experiments at the Forensic Evidence Department”, he added.

For his part, Colonel Abdul Rahman Al Hammadi, Head of the Criminal Evidence Department emphasised that the Abu Dhabi Police is the first entity in the Middle East and the Gulf to use this testing device and to acquire its franchise.

“The DrugAlyser is user-friendly and does not require technicians and professionals to operate it.

“Any individual can receive training on the proper procedures to obtain a urine sample, and to recognise the type of drugs as per the list provided with the device,” he said.

Colonel Al Hammadi added: “The Forensic Evidence Department had conducted several experiments and tests on the new device; a committee comprising experts and technicians from the Poisons and Drugs Branch was formed, to validate the DrugAlyser’s results”.

He indicated that the manufacturing company has received the CE marking from the European commission, and the ISO9001:2008, the Internationally Recognised Standard for Quality Management Systems.

It also operates as per the quality management standard for designing and manufacturing medical devices (ISO 13485: 2003).

Moreover, he indicated that the drug-testing device will provide a distinguished service, which will benefit several departments in discharging their tasks; particularly the entities in charge of conducting surprise testing at labor camps and testing procedures for suspected cases.

“This device is particularly useful for all police agencies and port authorities,” he concluded.

For his part, First Assistant, expert Ibrahim Ali Al Hosani, from the Poisons and Drugs Branch at the Chemical Analysis Section and proposal submitter, indicated that the idea came to him while attending an international conference, which tackled the means to conduct urine tests to detect drug abuse.

After thorough research, he managed to locate a company that manufactures a limited-capabilities drug screening device, capable of identifying up to six types of drugs. “Today, following extensive cooperation with the company, the device was developed to analyse 12 different types of drugs.

“More new tests may further be added to the device in the future,” he continued.

Al Hosani also pointed out that the urine testing device is of high quality; it is mainly airtight, thus preventing leakage; and the thermal tape ensures that the sample cannot be tampered with.

In addition, First Assistant Al Hosani stated that the device allows identifying the condition of individuals suspected for drug abuse. This can be achieved within three to five minutes, on-site, without the need to send samples to the crime laboratory for confirmation, a process that could take a day or more.

The device also provides a community service for families that suspect their sons of drug abuse, whereas any individual can follow the instructions to obtain a urine sample, and get instant results; without the need to go through the previous embarrassing procedures.

Al Hosani also indicated that the Privatisation and Resources Development Department had signed the memorandum of understanding with the manufacturing company in the Netherlands; it is expected to begin effectively using the new DrugAlyser as of next November.

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