Dubai: The Gulf countries must unite against drugs that make their way from some Central Asian countries like Afghanistan, the Chief of Dubai Police said yesterday.
Lieutenant General Dahi Khalfan Tamim called for united efforts by the Gulf countries to impose tougher procedures against visitors from certain countries that are majordrug producers such as Afghan-istan.
"According to the annual report of the United Nations, Afghanistan produces 65 to 70 per cent of the world's drugs," Lieutenant General Dahi said. He said although the situation is not alarming in the UAE, it is important that all Gulf countries have strict procedures because the producing countries pose a real danger.
"Let us confine the problem by starting talks with the Afghan government and giving them alternatives. All Gulf countries must participate in solving this problem," he said. He noted that heroin addiction had increased in the Arab region. Therefore it is important to unite and trace the sources and the routes of the drugs.
"The Rehabilitation and Training Centre for drug addicts in Dubai has helped 37 drug addicts to return to their normal lives in society," he said.
Lieutenant General Dahi was talking at a symposium organised by the Dubai Business Women's Council in cooperation with Dubai Police under the title "Women's Role in Facing the Danger of Drugs".
He praised the efforts made by women against drug addiction.
"I am confident that this humble beginning will be big in its results, as the UAE women will have a bigger role in combating drugs," he said.
Raja Al Gurg of the Dubai Business Women's Council called on governments and private authorities to fight drug addiction.
"Education is the most important thing in society. We want schools to focus on this issue and explain the dangers of smoking which leads to addition," Al Gurg said.
She said a dialogue between parents and children is also important in preventing addiction. Civil associations must also support the cooperation between government and private authorities and spread awareness.
"We call on the Ministry of Health to activate the monitoring of pharmacies and help in spreading awareness about the sensitive growth periods our children go through, especially the psychological growth period," she said.
Dr Farida Al Allaqi of the Mentor Establishment said His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, had agreed to make Dubai to be the headquarters for the establishment.
"We will start working on five major projects that include greater cooperation with Dubai Police in the future protector programme and using the website to spread awareness among larger groups of youths and women about drugs," Dr Al Allaqi said.
