Critical changes to law led to fall in drug-related crimes

Mortality index among drug abusers has fallen by 27 per cent in 2018, according to the Federal Anti-Narcotic Council.
The rate fell for the first time in 2017 - 10 per cent - one year after the establishment of the council. A 49 per cent increase in drug seizures was also noted in the two years prior to the set up of the council in 2016. The statistics were revealed during the launch of the 'Your Safety is Your Happiness' campaign by the council.
According to the council, the achievement can be attributed to several factors - changes in drug laws, efforts to combat drugs including chasing culprits outside the UAE, strong cooperation between relevant bodies and intensive rehabilitation programme for drug users.
Rasmi Ragy, senior legal counsel from the Dubai office of the UK-based Charles Russell Speechlys law firm, said the anti-narcotic laws were amended through which the use of illegal drugs was downgraded to a misdemeanour.
"The amendment provided first-time offenders with more options other than jail - including rehabilitation, a maximum fine of Dh10,000 or community service. These well-thought changes encourage drug abusers to correct their life and stop drug use.
When arrested by the police, they are informed this is a chance available only to first-time offenders," said Ragy.
Brigadier Saeed Abdullah Al Suwaidi, director of the federal anti-narcotic department and vice-president of the council, said the results were achieved because culprits were tracked even at their home countries in coordination with authorities concerned.
"The challenges facing drug control operations include the existence of legal loopholes, lack of awareness and poor coordination among local bodies concerned. Drug trafficking is a transnational crime, which no country can fight alone and requires a wide collaboration," said Al Suwaidi.
amira@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE
• Dubai

Amira Agarib

amira@khaleejtimes.com