Beware, e-cigarettes are being used to smoke drugs in UAE

Dubai - The danger of this trend lies in the fact that e-cigarettes are more socially acceptable than their traditional counterparts.

The Dubai Police have recorded 17 instances of youngsters mixing drugs in electronic cigarettes and smoking them, a top officer revealed on Sunday. As part of a study, the department of evidence examined 103 e-cigarettes seized in the country and found that 17 were used to smoke drugs.
According to Khalid Al Sumaiti, a senior forensic expert, in two cases, a cocktail of five different drugs was smoked. Fourteen of the e-cigarettes were used to inhale cannabis oil.
E-cigarettes are banned in the UAE, but residents procure them illegally via social media platforms and some commercial centres, he said.
Al Sumaiti said criminals mixed drugs, including a synthetic cannabis called 'spice', in liquid mixtures that come with e-cigarettes and circulated them.
"The danger of this trend lies in the fact that e-cigarettes are more socially acceptable than their traditional counterparts. Its users smoke them at commercial centres, homes and even at the workplace as they are considered not harmful and a way to quit smoking.
"It has now been converted into a drug abuse tool," said Al Sumaiti.
He said the study has proven the role of "e-cigarettes in drug abuse".
The officer called for more stringent measures to prevent the circulation of e-cigarettes, whether online or through commercial centres.
amira@khaleejtimes.com
 

• UAE