19 drug abusers, traffickers nabbed in RAK drug busts

Ras Al Khaimah - The police carried out 18 operations in the month of January.

Ras Al Khaimah Police have nabbed 19 drug abusers and traffickers - of different nationalities and ages - in January this year.
 
Major General Ali Abdullah bin Alwan Al Nuaimi, Commander-in-Chief of the RAK Police, said the suspects have been arrested as parts of intensive inspection campaigns launched across the emirate.
 
"The 19 narcotics abusers and dealers were detained in 18 separate operations based on intensive investigations in collaboration with the antic-narcotics department nationwide."
 
Col Adnan Ali Al Zaabi, Director of the Anti-narcotics Department, RAK Police, said they were alerted by undercover agents about a group of people from different nationalities abusing and trafficking drugs.
 
"Our sources told us about the suspects' hideouts. However, they were not aware of their secret channels of communication."
 
"After getting permission from prosecution, several teams were formed, and a plan was devised to collect all the information and evidence needed as the suspects were closely tracked," he added.
 
"All the drug abusers and dealers were then busted red handed with different amounts and types of narcotics, following which they were referred to the RAK public prosecution for legal action."
Earlier last year, the anti-narcotics department of RAK police managed to catch 16 drug dealers, of different nationalities in five days. "The suspects were apprehended red-handed while peddling crystal narcotics."
 
Parents are urged to keep an eye on their children and protect them against narcotics, Col Zaabi said. "It is not only the responsibility of law enforcement bodies to curb drug use but rather of all members of the society."
 
Dr Roua Abdulalim told Khaleej Times that the effects of drug abuse vary from one person to another, but most abusers suffer short and long term symptoms.
 
"Narcotics can affect a person's thinking, mood, energy level, perception, motor functions, decision-making abilities and reduce inhibition."
 
Addicts experience significant physical and mental issues in their daily lives, leave alone legal problems, she added. "These are apart from different types of cancer - mainly liver cancer - a weak immune system, irritability, and suicidal tendencies."
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com

• Ras Al Khaimah