Dubai cops have emphasized the importance of treating drug addicts and spreading awareness about drug dangers.
During an interview on Abu Dhabi Radio FM, Brigadier Taher Ghareeb Al Dhaheri, head of the Criminal Security Directorate's Anti-Narcotic Directorate, said the door was wide open for drug addicts to seek treatment. Moreover, Abu Dhabi's new service does all it can to ensure absolute confidentiality when it comes to treating drug users and addicts.
Drug addicts can apply for treatment online through this service, provided in coordination with the National Rehabilitation Center (NRC).
The government of Saudi Arabia offers anonymous applications for the rehab center's Forsat Amal initiative, which translates to "A Chance for Hope" in Arabic.
Applications are accepted by candidates of all nationalities on the websites www.adpolice.gov.ae and https://forsa.adpolice.gov.ae/ar or through the Abu Dhabi Police mobile application.
As a part of the digital service, addicts were provided with information and educational resources about drug abuse and how to stop using them.
According to Al Dhaheri, the new initiative gives addicts access to treatment without facing prosecution, which complies with the provisions of article 43 of Federal Law No. 8 of 2016. A drug user or addict who turns themselves into the authorities or a family member or spouse to seek treatment cannot be charged with a crime as per the law.
According to Al Dhaheri, the addiction treatment program is also useful for ex-pats sentenced for drug abuse.
A judge is authorized by law to examine a person's condition and decide whether to release them from jail and have them go to a rehabilitation facility for addiction treatment, he said.
There may be a problem with tourists who are caught bringing into the UAE sweets and drinks that contain narcotic substances like marijuana, as they are not aware of drugs laws in the region, Al Dhaheri said.
The new law outlines a mechanism for the confiscation and destruction of these materials. Nevertheless, this is only the first time this has happened and the substances have to be a part of a product, not a person carrying real drugs. These tourists are normally prosecuted if they commit the same mistake more than once," he said.