DUBAI (ALETIHAD)
Dubai Police, through its General Department of Anti-Narcotics, provided 372 drug-related dossiers to 44 countries in 2023 that aided the arrest of 308 international suspects and the seizure of 2 tonnes and 259 kilograms of various narcotics, including Khat, cocaine, marijuana, and heroin, along with 7.92 million narcotic pills.
During the same period, the Department also identified and blocked 1923 online accounts associated with drug dealers on various social media platforms, according to a statement issued by the force.
His Excellency Major General Khalil Ibrahim Al Mansouri, Assistant Commandant for Criminal Investigation Affairs, noted that these outcomes—apprehending dealers and seizing significant quantities of narcotics and psychotropic substances —reflect Dubai Police's ongoing international efforts to combat drug trafficking through specialized teams, advanced artificial intelligence technologies, and strong collaboration with law enforcement agencies worldwide.
He emphasised that Dubai Police, under the guidance of His Excellency Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, is committed to fostering international cooperation in the fight against organized crime.
"These efforts enhance community protection and security, contributing to significant achievements in combating crime in all its forms over the years," Al Mansouri stated.
Five Years of Efforts
Brigadier Khalid bin Muwaiza, Acting Director of the General Department of Anti-Narcotics, emphasised the importance of international cooperation in combating drug trafficking. He highlighted that "over the past five years, Dubai Police has made significant strides in the global fight against drugs, sharing 894 pieces of information with 66 countries, leading to the arrest of 550 international suspects and the seizure of 29 tons and 450 kilograms of narcotics."
He also noted that the General Department of Anti-Narcotics teams have actively cooperated with international partners in apprehending suspects in high-profile international cases.
Operation' Sugar Cane'
One such case, Operation' Sugar Cane', resulted in the arrest of a key member of a large organised crime syndicate involved in smuggling cocaine between South America and Europe through sugar shipments and led to the seizure of 22 tons of cocaine.
"Additionally, Operation Veyda resulted in dismantling a crime syndicate involved in drug trafficking and money laundering," Bin Muwaiza added.
Protecting the Community
Brigadier Khalid Bin Muwaiza emphasized that the General Department of Anti-Narcotics complements its international initiatives with local efforts through specialised field teams dedicated to protecting the community from drug-related issues.
Bin Muwaiza noted that their operations have successfully protected society against narcotics in all forms, including Operation "Storm", where Dubai Police's efforts led to the seizure of Captagon pills weighing more than 13 tonnes.
Awareness is Key
Bin Muwaiza also pointed out that, in addition to the field operations, Dubai Police carries out awareness campaigns through the Hemaya International Centre to raise the community's awareness against the scourges of narcotics and psychotropic substances.
"In 2023, the centre conducted 333 community awareness programs for students, benefiting 13,202,634 students from various nationalities. Meanwhile, the centre's awareness efforts through social media and educational programs benefited 13,096,344 individuals," he concluded.