Sharjah Police confiscated drugs valued at more than Dh115.3 million ($31.4 million) last year, highlighting progress in the emirate's battle against trafficking.
The force said there was a 24 per cent increase in drug seizures in 2023 compared to the previous year, with the interception of more than 1.1 tonnes of narcotics including 4.5 million tablets.
Major drug hauls included the “Black Bags” operation in April, which led to the arrest of 24 suspects and the confiscation of 120kg of hashish alongside three million Captagon tablets valued at more than Dh23.5 million.
The efforts in the fight against drugs are diverse
Maj Gen Saif Al Shamsi
In another operation in October, Sharjah Police dismantled an international drug trafficking ring and arrested 32 people linked to the attempted smuggling of 50kg of hashish, 49 litres of liquid crystal meth and more than one million pills containing psychotropic substances. The market value of these seized drugs was an estimated Dh14 million.
These figures were shared during the force’s annual media briefing on Monday.
Sharjah Police's anti-drug efforts also included the shutting down of more than 1,003 websites linked to drug promotion and the thwarting of more than 600 attempts to encourage drug use within the emirate.
“The efforts in the fight against drugs are diverse and include launching multiple awareness-raising campaigns,” said Maj Gen Saif Al Shamsi, commander in chief of Sharjah Police.
Increasing police stations
Maj Gen Al Shamsi also spoke about the importance of Sharjah census data in helping the force shape strategic planning for future security infrastructure and pinpointing areas in need of more police services.
“When you have precise figures, you can accurately channel your efforts towards effectively serving the public,” he said.
“As a direct result of these insights, we are currently advancing plans to establish a new police station in Al Shnouf area.”
Public security enhancements include the introduction of more cameras, with more than 89,770 now in position across the emirate, including live view and automatic number plate recognition cameras that read and digitalise vehicle registrations.
Col Mohammed Al Naqbi, director of Sharjah Traffic Police, also highlighted the success of the 35 per cent permanent discount initiative on traffic fines, “with 242,000 vehicle licences being renewed after the fines imposed on them were settled”.
Under the scheme introduced in April, the rate of prompt payment has also increased, with almost 63 per cent of all fines issued since the launch of the discount being settled within two months.
Police are confident this is because the discount drops to 25 per cent if the fine is paid later than two months from the date of its issuance.
Royal Navy seizes drugs worth Dh45 million in the Gulf region: In pictures
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Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
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Rating: 4/5
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6.30pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-2 Group 1 (PA) US$75,000 (Dirt) 1,900m
7.05pm: Al Rashidiya Group 2 (TB) $250,000 (Turf) 1,800m
7.40pm: Meydan Cup Listed Handicap (TB) $175,000 (T) 2,810m
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The National selections:
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The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
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No more lice
Defining head lice
Pediculus humanus capitis are tiny wingless insects that feed on blood from the human scalp. The adult head louse is up to 3mm long, has six legs, and is tan to greyish-white in colour. The female lives up to four weeks and, once mature, can lay up to 10 eggs per day. These tiny nits firmly attach to the base of the hair shaft, get incubated by body heat and hatch in eight days or so.
Identifying lice
Lice can be identified by itching or a tickling sensation of something moving within the hair. One can confirm that a person has lice by looking closely through the hair and scalp for nits, nymphs or lice. Head lice are most frequently located behind the ears and near the neckline.
Treating lice at home
Head lice must be treated as soon as they are spotted. Start by checking everyone in the family for them, then follow these steps. Remove and wash all clothing and bedding with hot water. Apply medicine according to the label instructions. If some live lice are still found eight to 12 hours after treatment, but are moving more slowly than before, do not re-treat. Comb dead and remaining live lice out of the hair using a fine-toothed comb.
After the initial treatment, check for, comb and remove nits and lice from hair every two to three days. Soak combs and brushes in hot water for 10 minutes.Vacuum the floor and furniture, particularly where the infested person sat or lay.
Courtesy Dr Vishal Rajmal Mehta, specialist paediatrics, RAK Hospital
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