Law enforcement officers in the UAE arrested 11,988 suspected traffickers in 2023 as they continue the "relentless fight against drugs".
Releasing the statistics, the Ministry of Interior said more than 29.7 tonnes of drugs were seized and 8,300 drug-related reports were filed during the same period.
It was in 2023 that the Dubai Police thwarted an attempt to smuggle more than 13 tonnes of Captagon worth Dh3.87 billion ($1.05 billion) inside about 600 door panels and other items.
Sharjah Police reported a 24 per cent increase in drug seizures last year compared to 2022, confiscating narcotics valued at more than Dh115.3 million ($31.4 million).
Blocking illegal websites
A total of 2,397 websites were also blocked last year after they were found to sell and promote illegal substances.
Earlier in March, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, announced how the Digital Quality of Life Council worked with social media companies to shut 160,000 websites and social media accounts for selling drugs and illicit substances.
The time period for the closures were not disclosed but Sheikh Mohammed highlighted how the "council, in collaboration with various social media platforms, [had] successfully eliminated over 160,000 websites and accounts that targeted our youth".
It was in 2022 that Dubai Police teamed up with the UAE's telecoms regulator to block nearly 1,300 social media accounts and websites promoting illegal drugs.
They also made 100 arrests during an operation in 2021 focused on criminals leading a WhatsApp “drug delivery service”.
Brigadier Saeed Abdullah Al Suwaidi, director general of Federal Narcotics Control at the Ministry of Interior, said the UAE's "robust and qualified system" has contributed to dismantling drug trafficking networks in the country and abroad.
“Last year, we co-operated with over 30 countries on several cases, follow-ups, and information regarding drug trafficking and psychotropic substances,” he said.
“This collaboration resulted in the seizure of 4.4 tonnes of drugs outside the UAE, based on information provided by the UAE.”
Major General Maktoum Ali Al Sharifi, director general of Abu Dhabi Police, said a holistic approach is necessary to tackle drugs abuse, with families placed as "the first line of defence".
“The role of the family is crucial in building a society and guiding young people from falling prey to addiction.
“It’s important to detect early signs of drug use and to reintegrate recovered patients into society with continuous support services.”
The UAE government and police forces have launched several initiatives over the past few years to provide a lifeline to people battling drug addiction who want to turn their lives around.
Col Mohamed Al Mansoori of Abu Dhabi Police said vigilance in the family was important “because it is easier to prevent an addiction than get treated for it”.
“We don’t ask that you spy on your kids but get to know them and their friends, what their interests and hobbies are. The fight against drugs is a collaborative effort.
“We can’t enter each and every home, but we are here to support you around the clock.”
Roll of honour: Who won what in 2018/19?
West Asia Premiership: Winners – Bahrain; Runners-up – Dubai Exiles
UAE Premiership: Winners – Abu Dhabi Harlequins; Runners-up – Jebel Ali Dragons
Dubai Rugby Sevens: Winners – Dubai Hurricanes; Runners-up – Abu Dhabi Harlequins
UAE Conference: Winners – Dubai Tigers; Runners-up – Al Ain Amblers
What sanctions would be reimposed?
Under ‘snapback’, measures imposed on Iran by the UN Security Council in six resolutions would be restored, including:
- An arms embargo
- A ban on uranium enrichment and reprocessing
- A ban on launches and other activities with ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons, as well as ballistic missile technology transfer and technical assistance
- A targeted global asset freeze and travel ban on Iranian individuals and entities
- Authorisation for countries to inspect Iran Air Cargo and Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines cargoes for banned goods
Infiniti QX80 specs
Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6
Power: 450hp
Torque: 700Nm
Price: From Dh450,000, Autograph model from Dh510,000
Available: Now
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Why seagrass matters
- Carbon sink: Seagrass sequesters carbon up to 35X faster than tropical rainforests
- Marine nursery: Crucial habitat for juvenile fish, crustations, and invertebrates
- Biodiversity: Support species like sea turtles, dugongs, and seabirds
- Coastal protection: Reduce erosion and improve water quality
How Apple's credit card works
The Apple Card looks different from a traditional credit card — there's no number on the front and the users' name is etched in metal. The card expands the company's digital Apple Pay services, marrying the physical card to a virtual one and integrating both with the iPhone. Its attributes include quick sign-up, elimination of most fees, strong security protections and cash back.
What does it cost?
Apple says there are no fees associated with the card. That means no late fee, no annual fee, no international fee and no over-the-limit fees. It also said it aims to have among the lowest interest rates in the industry. Users must have an iPhone to use the card, which comes at a cost. But they will earn cash back on their purchases — 3 per cent on Apple purchases, 2 per cent on those with the virtual card and 1 per cent with the physical card. Apple says it is the only card to provide those rewards in real time, so that cash earned can be used immediately.
What will the interest rate be?
The card doesn't come out until summer but Apple has said that as of March, the variable annual percentage rate on the card could be anywhere from 13.24 per cent to 24.24 per cent based on creditworthiness. That's in line with the rest of the market, according to analysts
What about security?
The physical card has no numbers so purchases are made with the embedded chip and the digital version lives in your Apple Wallet on your phone, where it's protected by fingerprints or facial recognition. That means that even if someone steals your phone, they won't be able to use the card to buy things.
Is it easy to use?
Apple says users will be able to sign up for the card in the Wallet app on their iPhone and begin using it almost immediately. It also tracks spending on the phone in a more user-friendly format, eliminating some of the gibberish that fills a traditional credit card statement. Plus it includes some budgeting tools, such as tracking spending and providing estimates of how much interest could be charged on a purchase to help people make an informed decision.
* Associated Press
About Proto21
Date started: May 2018
Founder: Pir Arkam
Based: Dubai
Sector: Additive manufacturing (aka, 3D printing)
Staff: 18
Funding: Invested, supported and partnered by Joseph Group
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MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
The years Ramadan fell in May
Engine: 5.6-litre V8
Transmission: seven-speed automatic
Power: 400hp
Torque: 560Nm
Price: Dh234,000 - Dh329,000
On sale: now
