Dubai Police crack down on dealers selling drugs online

Police shut down 10 accounts on Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter and Facebook that were used to promote and sell drugs

Dubai Police shut down 10 illegal drug sites between January and May 2020.

Parents are urged to monitor their children’s social media activities as dealers continue to use platforms and apps to sell drugs, warned a top police officer.

Several cases involving attempts to sell drugs online have been reported in Dubai.

Between January and May of this year, 10 accounts on Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter and Facebook that were used to promote drugs were detected and shut down.

Maj Gen Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, chief of Dubai Police, said collective efforts can reduce drug usage in the country and protect the future generation.

“It's an issue that concerns everyone and we should be united in fighting this problem,” he said.

“Parents can do that by building healthy and positive relationships with their children.

“They must be attentive and protect their children from bad friends and strangers who prey on them online. Use of social media platforms has become more popular due to Covid-19.”

In 2019, more than 150 suspected drug dealers were arrested and 50 drug promotion websites were shut down by the police in the emirate.

“Between 2017 and 2019, another 14 accounts on social media were detected for promoting and selling drugs,” said Maj Gen Al Marri.

“Among these detected accounts, one belonged to a drug dealer with 1600 followers. The account posted a video clip showing a number of drugs and offering delivery services.

“Another account belonged to an Asian man who asked youngsters for money. He lives outside the country, which calls for more parental supervision.”

Maj Gen Al Marri called on the public to report any suspicious activity or drugs-related information on 901.