Sharjah Police save 13-year-old boy from drug addiction sparked by WhatsApp messages

Sharjah: Sharjah Police have stepped in to save a 13-year-old Emirati boy who became addicted to drugs after receiving suspicious messages on WhatsApp.

Brigadier Majid Al Asam, Director of the Anti-Narcotics Department at Sharjah Police, told Gulf News the case came to light when the boy’s father contacted the police for help. “We received a call from the child’s parent asking for support, and we acted immediately,” he said.

The boy had received random messages offering drugs, which are often sent to large numbers of phone users. Without fully understanding the danger, the child transferred money and was location where he found the drugs.

Police quickly intervened and took care of the situation. The boy was given treatment and support, and within two weeks, his condition improved.

“We have continued to follow up on his recovery, and thank God, he is now in good health,” Brigadier Al Asam added.

He urged parents to pay close attention to their children, especially when it comes to their online activity. “If you notice any changes in your child’s behavior or signs of drug use, don’t wait. Report it right away. Acting quickly can save your child’s life,” he advised.

The Anti-Narcotics department at Sharjah Police in 2024 recorded 912 cases of drug peddling on WhatsApp, which led to 680 arrests. Sharjah Police have also blocked 680 social media accounts and websites promoting drugs, fake goods, and other banned items.

Brigadier Al Asam said the main challenge police face is the promotion of drugs over the internet, and in particular on social networking sites. Recently, traffickers have sent voice messages or texts to random phone numbers in the UAE to promote different types of drugs including restricted painkillers, hashish and crystal meth, heroin and others.

He added that the said the police is tracking and blocking such numbers, websites and social networks. Many users buy drugs via the internet and send money online to dealers, Brig Al Asam  said. Some people also deposit money in bank accounts and are then informed about the location of drugs via WhatsApp, he added.

Sharjah Police’s online patrols are operating round-the-clock to monitor cybercrime and suspicious activities and arrest people who misuse social media and blackmail victims. These patrols have identified 800 criminal methods so far.