Ajman takes high-tech approach to drugs fight

Police in Ajman are using technology as the latest tool in the fight against drug abuse.

The force has launched initiatives to highlight the dangers of drugs, including installing ATM-style electronic devices – which provide information on counselling, guidance programmes on drug prevention, how to maintain healthy family relationships and advice from specialists – at City Centre and China malls.

Parents are the target audience for the campaign, Get Closer To Your Children To Save Them, held to mark this week’s International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

Lt Col Saif Khalifa Al Muhairi, director of Ajman police’s drug control department, said that the campaign aimed to educate parents about drugs, the threat of substance abuse, and how to learn from the successes of people who had beaten drug addiction.

He said that police officers distributed leaflets throughout the emirate that highlight the importance of being close to your children and keeping a watchful eye over their lives.

These lessons would ensure children do not fall in with the wrong crowd and pick up bad habits.

“In co-operation with Ajman transport authority, the taxis in the emirate carried posters warning against drugs while an exhibition was held at China Mall to educate community members,” he said.

Police are keen to embrace technology, with the introduction of Siraj, an electronic device offering a reference point for drug-related matters.

“We are aware of the public’s growing tendency to use technology, [and] this device will provide them with all the information they need,” Lt Col Al Muhairi said.

Senior narcotics officer says campaign taps into audience of parents who are becoming very tech-savvy