Over 100 drug users spared charges, rehabilitated in 2018

Dubai - They are referred to specialised drug treatment and rehabilitation centres, and their cases are followed up until they completely recover from addiction.

A total of 104 young drug users were provided rehabilitation in 2018 by the Dubai Police, with most being first-time offenders. No criminal charges were registered against them.
Major-General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of the Dubai Police, said the police take into account the humanitarian and social aspect of cases and go soft on young people who are caught taking drugs for the first time.
He said the police try to give them another chance so they can benefit from Article 43 of the Anti-Narcotics Act, which exempts drug users - who voluntarily approach police, or are reported by their family or friends - from legal accountability. He added that those found to be victims of circumstances are given relief from punishment and rehabilitated.
The police realise that these young people can be saved before they become addicted, he pointed out. They are referred to specialised drug treatment and rehabilitation centres, and their cases are followed up until they completely recover from addiction, Maj-Gen Al Marri added.
He stressed that the solution is not to put this "category of users" in punitive institutions because these youths are patients and victims who need help.
Rather than initiating criminal charges against them, the Dubai Police put them on a path to mend their ways, the police chief said.
He said some of them have succeeded in giving up drugs completely and become models of rehabilitation.
Maj-Gen Al Marri stressed that the general department of anti-narcotics and the penal and correctional institutions, as well as the Community Development Authority (CDA), are all working together to prevent young people from falling into the trap of drug abuse.
E-councils established
Maj-Gen Al Marri explained that the Dubai Police have established a number of e-councils to strengthen communications with the community, especially with groups that are most vulnerable to drugs. 
This includes the formation of Student Councils, and the Council of Colleges. Each is headed by a student and has two police officers. To raise people's awareness of the dangers posed by drugs and the law related to narcotics, specific classes will be held for the students in the future, he added.
Major-General Khalil Ibrahim Al Mansouri, assistant commander-in-chief for criminal investigation, attributed the success of the Dubai Police in containing drug abuse to the enhanced efforts of officials to reach out to the families of drug users. 
He said there has been an overwhelming response from the families, too. 
A few days ago, the mother of a drug abuser contacted the anti-narcotics department and reported that her son has been taking drugs, Maj-Gen Al Mansouri said. 
"The mother was aware about the law that a person who voluntarily approaches the police would be dealt with differently. 
"She took the right decision to save her son without being legally held accountable by law and sought help through rehabilitation." 
He pointed out that the police are also conducting periodic programmes in schools and clubs to drive home the anti-drugs message. They are also urging the media to help them combat drug abuse.
Brigadier-General Eid Thani Hareb, director of the general department of anti-narcotics, said periodic check-ups and post-care played a key role in the treatment and recovery of former addicts who are serving jail terms in correctional institutions.
He said the programme studied 188 cases of drug abuse during 2018 and 104 of them were rehabilitated. 
In 2017, it examined 217 cases and 79 young drug users were not criminally charged and sent to rehab centres.
amira@khaleejtimes.com

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