Emiratis trading in drugs alarm UAE police

Abu Dhabi: Emiratis trading in drugs has become a new phenomenon in the UAE society that needs to be addressed, warned Colonel Dr Sarhan Al Meheini, deputy director of Policing Sciences Academy, at the conference on Family Role in Modern Society that took place on Wednesday.

"In the past, Emirati citizen used to consume but not trade in drugs. So, the issues were health related and we could address them with physical and mental treatment. However, some are now trading and distributing drugs contributing to its spread in the society, which is significantly dangerous and illegal," he said.

"People start taking drugs as trial and out of curiosity. They get high and enjoy the effect. But when they take it for a second and third time the effect diminishes, so they increase the doses to get the same first effect. This is how trials become addictions," he explained.

Al Meheini said that a large part of drug addicts in the UAE society started drug consumption in other countries, then once home started to look for it locally.He highlighted that in 1995 a law was issued stipulating death penalty for drug dealers, which had a positive effect, decreasing their number.

Al Meheini called on drug addicts and their families not be ashamed of seeking treatment, and to benefit from the opportunity the law is giving them.

Great opportunity

"If a drug addict confesses to the police, the prosecution or any authority, he will get treatment and be exempted from the legal responsibility. So this is a great opportunity, a hope that people should take," he said. "Treatment and rehabilitation centres are available in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah. However, there is not enough room for every patient," he pointed out.

Colonel Mohammad Al Hosani, deputy director of the Social Support Centres Department at the Abu Dhabi Police, warned people against debts and over expenditure whether for occasions like marriage or in general which leads to emotional pressure and stress. Al Hosani gave an example of a father, who due to large debts and limited salary began beating his children and his wife.

He also said that people nowadays have high expectations, which is positive if they are highly skilled. But if they are not, which is the case of the majority, this will put them under a tremendous amount of stress.

Al Hosani stressed the importance of giving attention to children. "The first five years in a child's life impact his character and his entire life. Children who had insufficient communication with their parents are prone to negative feelings like worry, low self esteem and self confidence," he said.