Dubai Police warn people of unsolicited texts on narcotics

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

DUBAI: Dubai Police has organised a three-day awareness campaign, ‘Anonymous Messages’ 2023, at City Centre Mirdif to foster community cohesion and raise awareness against engaging or responding to incoming anonymous messages and conversations that promote narcotics.

Major General Eid Muhammad Thani Hareb attended the campaign’s concluding ceremony, with Director of the General Department of Anti-Narcotics at Dubai Police, Dr. Colonel Abdulrahman Sharaf Almamari, Director of Hemaya International Centre, and several officers and employees.

The campaign garnered a substantial turnout, with attendees eagerly engaging, participating, and making the most of the educational information, free consultations, and specialised panel discussions.

After honouring partners who played a role in the event’s success, Major General Hareb expressed that the anonymous messaging campaigns have yielded valuable results and accomplished their intended goals. “This is evident through the community’s positive response and active engagement in reporting incidents via the official services within the Dubai Police App,” he added.

He affirmed that the campaign aimed to raise awareness about the risks associated with such messages and to provide individuals in the community with positive, informative consultations and messages. Additionally, he advised against engaging with or responding to incoming messages and conversations, underscoring the significance of increased parental oversight to educate and caution children about anonymous messages.

Meanwhile, Col. Almamari highlighted that the objectives of the anonymous messages campaign featured several aspects, including raising awareness about the nature of electronic threats and effective ways to handle them. “The campaign’s objective is to provide community members with the necessary knowledge and tools to recognise anonymous messages and attacks and to promote safe behaviour by advocating best practices and preventive measures. It also aims to increase awareness and knowledge among all citizens regarding the risks associated with anonymous messages and emphasise the importance of reporting such messages through official channels.”

First Lieutenant Ahmad Saeed Al Kaabi, Head of the Community Programmes Section at Hemaya International Centre, expressed his appreciation for the support of the partners involved in the campaign, including City Centre Mirdif, Erada Center for Treatment and Rehabilitation, Ferjan Dubai, Tourist Police Department, Dubai Police Academy, Positive Spirit Initiative at Dubai Police, and the Dubai Police Council of College and University Students.

He stressed that the most crucial message Dubai Police aims to convey to the community is the communication mechanism through reporting, utilising the toll-free hotline 901 and the ‘E-crime’ service available on Dubai Police’s smart app and website. “This communication and reporting demonstrate the public’s awareness and commitment to enhancing community security,” Al Kaabi concluded.

LIAISON OFFICERS IN SPORTS CLUBS: Major General Rashid Khalifa Al Falasi, Acting Director of the General Department of Organisations Protective Security and Emergencies, honoured in the presence of Brigadier Nabil Abdullah Alrida, Acting Director of the Emergency Department, and several directors of sub-departments and heads of sections, several field officers from the Emergency Department.

Major General Al Falasi praised the honorees for their efficiency and exemplary performance in their assigned tasks, dedication, and teamwork in supporting the police work. He highlighted the significant role of liaison officers in Dubai’s sports clubs in establishing security and safety in all stadiums and sports events, including indoor competitions and any sports, artistic, or festival activities.

Al Falasi noted that the recognition is part of Dubai Police’s approach to employee happiness, continuous work development, and appreciation for the outstanding efforts of distinguished employees.