Picture used for illustrative purpose only.

Sheikha Al Naqbi, Staff Reporter

The Ministry of Interior has released its 2023 statistics, which show that a total of 8,300 reports were filed, 11,988 defendants were arrested, and 29,758.743 kilograms of drugs were seized. Additionally, 2,397 websites promoting drugs were blocked.

This was revealed by Brigadier Saeed Abdullah Al Suwaidi, Director General of Federal Narcotics Control at the Ministry of Interior.

He asserted that the Ministry is relentless in its fight against drugs, parsing the Ministry's continued success in controlling smuggling and trafficking through a robust and qualified system and through distinguished regional and international cooperation with counterpart agencies in different countries of the world.

"The UAE is committed to strengthening its international cooperation in the fields of combating the promotion and trafficking of narcotics.The UAE cooperated with more than 30 countries in (2023) on cases, follow-ups and information on the smuggling and promotion of narcotics and psychotropic substances," Al Suwaidi said.

A total of 4,481 kilograms of narcotic substances were seized outside the country through information issued from the UAE.

The UAE, represented by the Ministry of Interior, participates in The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, which is observed on 26 June each year.

This annual event helps highlight the collective efforts of countries around the globe to combat the social ills associated with drug abuse.

Additionally, it highlights the pervasive threat that drugs pose to global security and safety, as well as to raise awareness about the detrimental impact of drugs on public health and security.

The UAE has made significant strides in combating the illicit promotion, smuggling, and abuse of drugs and psychotropic substances.

These achievements have been made possible through the implementation of pioneering policies, procedures, and initiatives, the utilisation of the most advanced means, applications, and modern technologies, and the formation of a highly qualified and capable national cadre capable of addressing all threats to the security and safety of society.