Abu Dhabi Police warns parents of hidden drug threats on social media

Parents urged to monitor kids' online activities amid drug threats

Last updated:
Abdulla Rasheed, Editor - Abu Dhabi
3 MIN READ
Abu Dhabi Police warns parents of hidden drug threats on social media
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Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Police has warned of hidden threats that children may encounter on social media platforms, messaging apps, and online games, foremost among them being drug promotion. The authority urged parents to monitor their children’s digital activities calmly and without intimidation, to engage them in open and honest conversations about online dangers, and to review the applications and games they interact with guiding them toward safe and suitable options.

The police affirmed their continued efforts in awareness and security education, especially in familiarizing families and community members with the dangers of drugs, their harmful effects, and prevention methods. These efforts are implemented through year-round plans, programs, and educational campaigns.

Evolving drug smuggling methods

Recent drug seizures have revealed that trafficking gangs continually innovate methods of smuggling and concealing narcotics, including exploiting social media networks for drug promotion. In earlier operations, Abu Dhabi Police working with partners dismantled organised drug-dealing networks operating in various emirates. The suspects were found in possession of narcotics in several cross-border cases. Anti-narcotics officers detected a phenomenon of mass-messaging via certain social media platforms, containing images, videos, and voice recordings promoting drugs and claiming the ability to deliver them anywhere in the UAE.

International phone numbers used in drug promotion

Cases also showed that gang leaders used international phone numbers to broadcast random advertisements for drugs. However, the Anti-Narcotics Directorate successfully intercepted the dealers as they attempted to place drugs in multiple 'drop-off' locations for buyers. Abu Dhabi Police delivered a decisive blow to these networks, apprehending the traffickers red-handed and referring them to judicial authorities.

The police stressed the importance of joint efforts by all relevant institutions to raise community awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and trafficking, and to report suspicious cases via the “Aman” hotline at 8002626.

Monitor your children’s phones

Abu Dhabi Police urged parents to protect their children from strangers especially during summer holidays, who may exploit this time to promote drugs. They advised children not to play or converse with strangers and to refuse gifts or sweets from unknown individuals, while encouraging parents to monitor their children’s friendships and guide them toward safe, beneficial activities.

Families were also urged to check unknown messages sent to their children from international numbers and to report them via the 'Aman' service. The police emphasised the family’s role as the first line of defense against drugs, encouraging positive communication with children, shielding them from negative influences, and using free time productively to build their skills, confidence, and sense of responsibility.

Nationwide police campaigns have also warned parents of anonymous messages on social media promoting drugs, advising the public to avoid interacting with such messages and to report them to the authorities.

Family disintegration as a major cause of youth deviation

Legal and social experts have warned about the phenomenon of "hidden family disintegration, stressing that the absence of meaningful dialogue and the family’s preoccupation with smartphones and social media can make children vulnerable to online targeting and luring by drug traffickers, ultimately leading them toward addiction.

The Monitoring and Intelligence Division at Abu Dhabi Police’s Anti-Narcotics Directorate noted this emerging family issue, highlighting that drug abuse cases have revealed numerous causes, including the preoccupation of parents and children with smartphones, lack of collective family interaction, and absence of dialogue at home what they term “hidden family disintegration.”

The police called for strengthening family dialogue to guide children toward the right path in life, help them address challenges, and raise awareness about the dangers of drugs.

They also pointed out that Article 89 of the Federal Law on Combating Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances protects anyone who seeks treatment meaning no legal action or criminal case will be taken against a person who voluntarily undergoes treatment at an accredited rehabilitation center, whether on their own initiative or through a family member (up to second degree) or spouse, provided they adhere to the prescribed treatment plan.

Early detection of drug abuse cases

Abu Dhabi Police stressed the importance of early detection, noting that parents may suspect drug use if they find drug paraphernalia in their child’s room, such as syringes or burnt spoons. Families should remain alert to such signs.

Physical symptoms of drug abuse can include pale complexion, dark circles under the eyes, needle marks on arms, neglect of school or work, nervousness, and mood swings. Symptoms vary depending on the drug type, with some substances posing fatal risks in cases of overdose.

The police outlined their clear anti-drug strategy, which has two main pillars:

      1.    Reducing supply – through investigations, seizures, pursuing traffickers, and bringing them to justice.

      2.    Reducing demand – by raising awareness and educating the public about the various dangers of drugs.

They also launched the 'Bader' awareness bus, equipped with educational materials about drug hazards, which tours residential areas, schools, and community events across Abu Dhabi.

Abdulla Rasheed
Abdulla RasheedEditor - Abu Dhabi
Abdullah Rashid Al Hammadi  is an accomplished Emirati journalist with over 45 years of experience in both Arabic and English media. He currently serves as the Abu Dhabi Bureau Chief fo Gulf News. Al Hammadi began his career in 1980 with Al Ittihad newspaper, where he rose through the ranks to hold key editorial positions, including Head of International News, Director of the Research Center, and Acting Managing Editor. A founding member of the UAE Journalists Association and a former board member, he is also affiliated with the General Federation of Arab Journalists and the International Federation of Journalists. Al Hammadi studied Information Systems Technology at the University of Virginia and completed journalism training with Reuters in Cairo and London. During his time in Washington, D.C., he reported for Alittihad  and became a member of the National Press Club. From 2000 to 2008, he wrote the widely read Dababees column, known for its critical take on social issues. Throughout his career, Al Hammadi has conducted high-profile interviews with prominent leaders including UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and key Arab figures such as the late Yasser Arafat and former presidents of Yemen and Egypt. He has reported on major historical events such as the Iran-Iraq war, the liberation of Kuwait, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the establishment of the Palestinian Authority. His work continues to shape and influence journalism in the UAE and the wider Arab world.

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