Drugs claimed 9 lives in Sharjah last year

OVERDOSE VICTIMS AGED BETWEEN 20 AND 30; POLICE ARREST 1,086 PEOPLE IN 703 CASES

Nine Emirati men died in Sharjah in 2015 as a result of drug overdoses, Col Mohammad Byait, General Director of police operations at Sharjah Police, said yesterday.

The victims were aged between 20 and 30, Col Al Byait said, adding that no women were reported to have died from drug overdoses in the country last year.

Also, the number of drug cases referred to the courts showed an increase in trafficking and those caught in possession of illegal substances. He said the state and security agencies are working hard to reduce drug cases and limit the entry of such substances into the country.

A total of 1,086 people of various nationalities were arrested in 703 cases of drug-related crimes in Sharjah between January 1, 2014 and October 2015.

During the same period, police seized 250kg of narcotics, including hashish, heroin and opium, as well as more than 71 million narcotic pills, including tramadol.

The statistics released yesterday showed that single men were more likely to become drug addicts than married individuals. Also, more unemployed people became drug addicts.

“The department spares no effort in raising awareness about the dangers of narcotics, especially among youth, as they are the most vulnerable,” he said.

He said that the department is using technology to get its message across, as they are working on a smart app that will help spread drug awareness.

The department organised 133 awareness lectures and exhibitions which reached an approximate 37,314 people.

The Anti-Narcotics Department also blocked a number of websites in 2014 and 2015 with the help of the Telecommunication Regulation Authority that were selling or promoting drugs.

Meanwhile, the rehabilitation and treatment centre for addicts in Sharjah received 106 addicts, including 18 who sought treatment on their own.

Reason for relapse

Some 80 per cent of recovering drug addicts relapsed due to the neglect of their parents, Major Mohammad Al Khamiri, director of the awareness and rehabilitation section at Sharjah Police’s anti-narcotics department, told Gulf News.

According to Article No 43 of the Federal Law, a drug addict seeking help from authorities for treatment will not face legal action, said Maj Al Khamiri.