By Staff Reporter
The UAE Ministry of Interior has reported significant accomplishments in the country’s anti-narcotics efforts for 2024, highlighting robust measures taken to combat drug-related crimes and safeguard public health and safety.
Amal Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Head of Statistics and Studies at the Federal General Directorate for Drug Control at the Ministry of Interior, stated that 2024 witnessed intensified nationwide operations yielding tangible results. “A total of 9,774 reports related to drug crimes were recorded, involving 13,513 suspects,” she revealed. “In total, 12,340 kilograms of narcotic substances and psychotropic drugs were seized throughout the year.”
Al Zeyoudi also emphasized the UAE’s strong commitment to international cooperation in the fight against drugs, noting that joint operations with more than 24 countries led to the seizure of an additional 3,383 kilograms of narcotics outside the UAE.
In November 2024, the UAE adopted the National Anti-Narcotics Strategy 2024–2031, which envisions a drug-free nation by 2031. The strategy sets ambitious national targets, including reducing drug-related mortality rates per million people and lowering the prevalence of drug abuse per 100,000 residents.
Stricter oversight on controlled medications
A report issued by the Ministry’s Federal Drug Control Directorate noted that the Ministry’s integrated efforts have helped curb both supply and demand. A key initiative was launched to assess the spread of narcotics across the country, benchmarking global best practices. Furthermore, a digital platform was developed in collaboration with the healthcare sector to monitor the dispensation of controlled medications and limit their misuse.
The cornerstone of the UAE’s legal framework in this domain is Federal Decree Law No. (30) of 2021 on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, as amended by Federal Decree Law No. (53) of 2022. This legislation adopts a comprehensive approach that balances stringent penalties with pathways for rehabilitation.
While the law imposes hefty fines and prison terms depending on the nature and frequency of offenses, it also allows courts to refer individuals to rehabilitation centers instead of incarceration, with close follow-up on treatment progress. The law also calls for active international cooperation to combat drug trafficking and prosecute those involved.
International recognition
In a testament to the UAE’s proactive role on the global stage, the Ministry of Interior was elected in April 2025 to the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) for the term 2026–2029, representing the Asia-Pacific Group. The CND is a central policymaking body within the UN system responsible for overseeing international drug control treaties and guiding global drug policies. The election took place during a vote at the UN Headquarters in New York.
Source: Gulf News
