Pubdate: Sun, 27 Jun 2004
Source: Khaleej Times (UAE)
Copyright: 2004 Khaleej Times
Contact:  http://khaleejtimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/996
Author: Muawia E. Ibrahim
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)

UAE VOWS TO STAMP OUT DRUGS

ABU DHABI - The UAE joined the world in marking the 'World Anti-Drugs Day' 
on Saturday. In a statement marking the occasion, Interior Minister 
Lt.-Gen. Dr Mohammed bin Saeed Al Badi said that by celebrating the 
anti-drug day, the UAE reaffirms its commitment to fighting the danger of 
drugs and protecting society against its challenges.

"The UAE contributes effectively to the regional and international efforts 
to counter this problem which is considered one of the most dangerous 
challenges facing the world today, especially in view of the existence of 
international Mafias and gangs which control the activities of illicit 
trading," Lt.-Gen. Dr Badi stated.

He said that the UAE, by the grace of Allah, has been able to take full 
control of the situation against the spread of drugs in the country and 
managed to combat drug trafficking and drug smuggling crimes.

He said on the directives of the President, His Highness Shaikh Zayed bin 
Sultan Al Nahyan and Their Highnesses, Members of the Supreme Council and 
Rulers of the emirates, a comprehensive strategy had been planned and 
successfully executed in this regard, adding that the strategy was based on 
preventive, curative and rehabilitation measures.

The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is 
celebrated every year on June 26 to commemorate the signature of the 
declaration adopted at the International Conference against Drug Abuse and 
Illicit Drug Trafficking on that day in 1987.

At the national level, the UAE has lined up a number of activities to mark 
the event.

In Abu Dhabi, the police has organised, among other activities, an 
exhibition at the Abu Dhabi Mall. The exhibition, held under the theme 
"Together towards a drugs-free society" was inaugurated on Saturday by 
Major-General Mohammed Khamis Al Jinaibi, Deputy Director-General of Abu 
Dhabi Police. Other emirates have also lined up various activities as part 
of the celebration. Mosques across the country focused their Friday sermons 
on the drug menace.

In his message marking the occasion, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan said 
that one of the most damaging misconceptions about drug use was that it is 
a permanent problem.

"The truth is that treatment for drug abuse can work, and can restore value 
and dignity to a person's life. The theme for this year's International Day 
against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, "Drugs, Treatment Works", aims 
to correct this misconception, and convey the facts about drug abuse 
treatment, based on the latest and most reliable evidence and research."

He said that millions of people worldwide had been directly affected by 
drug problems - those who are dependent, as well as their families. Their 
lives have been disrupted, their health undermined, their education 
interrupted, their jobs lost, their families broken. People with 
drug-related problems, and their families and friends, need to know that 
there is a way out.
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