By Staff Reporter
The UAE has stepped up its battle against narcotics with the launch of a confidential hotline for reporting drug-related crimes, offering financial rewards to informants who provide actionable intelligence leading to the arrest of traffickers and smugglers.
The initiative was announced by Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad Al Nahyan, Chairman of the National Anti-Narcotics Authority (Nana), during the UAE Government Annual Meetings 2025 in Abu Dhabi.
Sheikh Zayed said the new hotline is part of a broader national strategy to unify efforts in combating drug abuse and involve all sectors of society in protecting communities from the dangers of narcotics. He emphasised that the confidential reporting system will ensure the safety and privacy of informants while rewarding their contributions to law enforcement efforts.
National Anti-Drug Strategy
As part of its comprehensive approach, the authority has launched several strategic initiatives aimed at prevention, education, and rehabilitation. These include extensive awareness programmes targeting all segments of society—particularly the youth—through schools, community activities, and digital campaigns.
A major highlight is the introduction of a new school subject titled “Security and Safety”, which will be incorporated into primary and secondary school curricula. The subject aims to teach children how to avoid accidents, harmful behaviours, and drug abuse, with a special focus at the secondary level on the dangers of narcotics.
Additionally, the “National Activities Programme” will engage young people through sports, cultural events, and hobbies, establishing local clubs and centres in public parks and playgrounds to encourage healthy and constructive lifestyles.
Expanding Global Cooperation
Sheikh Zayed also noted that the UAE continues to strengthen international cooperation in drug control, collaborating with 24 countries in joint operations that have led to the seizure of large quantities of narcotics abroad.
The UAE has also intensified efforts to combat online drug promotion, successfully identifying and blocking 2,297 websites and social media accounts used by traffickers to advertise and distribute illegal substances.
A Safer, Drug-Free Society
Sheikh Zayed underscored that the ultimate goal is to build an integrated ecosystem for drug prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation—one that ensures the safety and wellbeing of all community members.
“The establishment of Nana marks a unified national commitment to eradicate drugs and engage every sector of society in this vital mission,” he said.
Source: Khaleej Times
