Dubai: Dubai Police have launched a new awareness campaign to combat drug addiction. The campaign, launched under the slogan "Don't be the next target," aims to help addicts and family members of addicts kick the habit while ensuring their anonymity and protecting them from legal action.

"We are trying to treat the addict while protecting his identity and with his help we can solve the problem at source. The aim of this campaign is to help the addict — the real victim of this disease," said Major General Abdul Jaleel Mahdi Mohammad, Director of the General Department of Anti-Narcotics at Dubai Police.

"We encourage people to call our toll free number (800 400 400) with information on friends and relatives who may be suffering from drug addiction, we ensure the secrecy of the caller and the victim and that they will not be punished. Victims will receive treatment for their addiction and we will work so that it doesn't affect their employment."

The campaign will span six months covering a different part of the city every month, seminars will be held at schools, there will be interactive booths at malls and public service videos aired on selected television channels.

Dubai Bank sponsored the campaign with a donation of Dh500,000.

"This is an extremely important issue as it affects every member of the community. It could be my son or a member of my family who fall victim to this disease next," Tareq Al Farsi, Head of Branches at Dubai Bank said.

"We have noticed drastic changes for the better in the UAE, which is due to increased awareness and education within the community. I'm happy to say we have seen a large decline in the number of heroin addicts which we attribute to them witnessing friends becoming severely ill and even dying from their addiction to heroin," said Maj Gen Mohammad.

He added parents should look out for signs of drug addiction such as changes in behaviour, increased nervousness, depression, changes in sleeping habit, laziness, a decline in self-confidence, lack of hygiene and loss of weight.

The toll free emergency number for the campaign is 800 400 400.