The Ministry of Interior presented a working paper on the UAE’s experience in criminalizing the Spice narcotic drug, as the first Arab country to do so. The drug is a combination of manufactured narcotic substances, with a similar effect to the Hashish addiction. The Committee in charge of studying this drug had recommended criminalizing it, thus prohibiting its smuggling, possession, and abuse or trafficking, as an offense punishable by law in the state.
The UAE working paper was presented by its delegation participating at the 26th annual Arab Conference for Heads of anti-drug agencies, which was held in Tunisia on the 3rd and 4th of October. The UAE delegation chaired the meeting and was headed by Colonel Saeed Abdullah Al Suwaidi, Director General of the Federal Anti-narcotics Directorate at the Ministry of Interior, as part of the General Secretariat of the Council of Arab Interior Ministers.
The UAE delegation also provided a comprehensive report on the Emirates’ efforts in combating drugs on the local and international levels. It presented a documentary showcasing its tireless efforts in combating drugs, through operations such as “Flood”, “Conclusion” and “Salt”, which led to the arrest of drug dealers and seizure of large quantities of the illegal substances.
Participants at the conference commended the UAE’s initiative, to undertake direct coordination with its counterpart entity in a certain State; regarded as one of the most important sources for the illegal Tramadol drug, which has become a security concern for most of the Arab countries; as a prelude to establish an Arab team to visit that country.
At the closing ceremony of the 26th annual Arab Conference for Heads of anti-drug agencies, Colonel Saeed Abdullah Al Suwaidi, Head of the UAE delegation and Chairman of the Conference, delivered a speech, expressing his sincere thanks and appreciation to the President, Government and people of Tunisia, for hosting the Conference, as well as its warm welcome, hospitality, and facilities they provided, which had a great impact on the success of the Conference.
Moreover, Colonel Al Suwaidi thanked Dr Mohammed bin Ali Kuman, Secretary General of the Council of Arab Interior Ministers, for his leading role in achieving the joint Arab security cooperation process, and his great efforts that represent the main component of the successes achieved and yet to be achieved, in the framework of the joint Arab security work process.