Abu Dhabi Police lead major new anti-drug campaign

Messages about the dangers of drug addiction will be promoted on cinema screens and cash machines in the capital

Police in Abu Dhabi are leading a one-month campaign to highlight how drug abuse can ruin lives.

Police in Abu Dhabi are leading a month-long campaign warning residents about the dangers of drugs.

The force teamed up with the General Women's Union and the Abu Dhabi Shelter and Humanitarian Care Centre, or Ewa'a, to drive home the effects of substance abuse.

Cinema screens, text messages, cash machines and customer service centres will be among the platforms used to deliver a vital message about the stark consequences of dabbling with drugs and developing addictions.

Newspapers, television and radio programmes will also be used during the high-profile initiative.

Brochures and leaflets in Arabic, English and Urdu will be distributed across the emirate.

"This boosts the co-operation between the force and its partners as we all are doing our best to reduce all forms of crime, drug-related ones in particular, to protect the members of our society," said Abu Dhabi Police chief Maj Gen Maktoum Al Sharifi.

He said legal action would not be taken against first-time offenders – part of a wider strategy to put rehabilitation before punishment – who came forward to police or were reported by their families.

Parents are being urged to closely watch their children and engage them in conversation about drugs to protect them from falling victim to addiction.

"They must watch out for any changes to their children's behaviour specifically during their teen years," said Noura Khalifa Al Suwaidi, director general of the General Women's Union.

Consultations for rehabilitated female drug users may soon be introduced by Ewa’a.

“We are still in the process of considering providing consultation services for rehabilitated female drug users to help them in the return to normal life,” said Sarah Shuhail, director of Ewa’a.