Dubai: In celebration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Dubai Police launched a three-day awareness exhibition at Festival City Mall under the slogan "An Aware Family... A Safe Community," running from June 30 to July 2.

This event is organized in cooperation with the Emirates Health Services (EHS), the Community Development Authority, the Dubai Health Authority, the Al Ameen service, the National Rehabilitation Center, the Erada Center for Treatment and Rehabilitation in Dubai, and various internal partners from Dubai Police.

Brigadier Dr. Abdul Rahman Sharaf Al Maamari, Director of Hemaya International Centre, confirmed Dubai Police's strong commitment to participating in global events like the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, which play a vital role in protecting the community from the dangers of drugs and raising awareness.

He noted that the exhibition is an educational and social opportunity for Dubai Police officers specializing in drug awareness to engage with the public during the three-day awareness exhibition at Festival City. “During the three-day exhibition, they will exchange ideas, listen to the concerns of youth and parents, and develop plans to create a safe and stable family environment free from negative influences, he continued.

Brig. Al Maamari encouraged community members to visit the Dubai Police platform, as well as the platforms of other partners at Festival City Mall, to gather valuable information and insights.

Furthermore, he praised the crucial role of the partners of the General Department of Anti-Narcotics, whose unwavering support for awareness and rehabilitation efforts has helped individuals struggling with addiction reintegrate into society as responsible members.

Brig. Al Maamari explained that the first day of the exhibition includes participation from the Erada Center for Treatment and Rehabilitation in Dubai, the Dubai Health Authority, and the e-Crime service for reporting cyber-crimes via the Dubai Police smart app.

Erada Center for Treatment & Rehabilitation
Dr. Abdullah Al Ansari, Director of the Awareness and Social Support Department at the Erada Center, praised the effective role of the International Hemaya Center in educating the community about the dangers of drugs. He noted that the Erada Center's participation in the exhibition demonstrates their shared commitment with Dubai Police to enhance community awareness and prevention, as well as their ongoing collaboration in promoting addiction treatment. He emphasized that the center plays a vital role in supporting those in need.

Al Ansari indicated that the Erada Center's stand at the Dubai Police exhibition features information about their treatment and awareness services, answers to attendees' questions about addiction and prevention methods, and details on how to contact the center confidentially.

Drug Use Prevention
Meanwhile, Ms. Amina Malallah Ghanem, a health education specialist in the Health Promotion and Education Section at the Dubai Health Authority, noted that the authority's participation in the anti-drug awareness exhibition emphasizes an educational program that highlights prevention methods, the psychological effects of addiction, treatment options, and other related awareness topics.

Understanding Legal Provisions                                                                                        First Lieutenant Ahmed Salem Al Kaabi, Head of the Community Programs Section at the International Hemaya Center, highlighted that Dubai Police's Platform at the exhibition showcases preventive programs designed to protect the community from drugs. He also explained key legal provisions that assist families in addressing addiction issues. Notably, Article 89 of the UAE Law on Combating Drug Trafficking and Psychotropic Substances stipulates that individuals who voluntarily seek help for addiction must receive treatment support without legal repercussions. This article also empowers first- and second-degree relatives to request treatment on behalf of the user, thereby enhancing the family's role in early intervention and support. Additionally, it allows users access to specialized treatment centers, facilitating their reintegration into society and supporting their recovery journey toward a healthier, normal life.

Additionally, visitors to Dubai Police’s platform learn about Article 64, which addresses penalties for money laundering related to drug purchases, whether conducted directly or indirectly, for drug-related offenses or personal use of narcotics and psychotropic substances.