Abu Dhabi Police celebrated the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking under the theme “They Fooled Me.” The celebration included a number of events to raise awareness regarding the dangers and nefarious health, mental and psychological effects of drugs, on the abuser, his family and society. This event was held in Delma Mall in the Al Musafah area.
The celebration, held on the sidelines of the awareness exhibition about the dangers of drugs, was attended by Brigadier Omair Al Muhairi, Deputy Director of Police Operations at Abu Dhabi Police; Colonel Dr. Rashid Mohammad Borshid, Head of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at the Abu Dhabi Police GHQ; Colonel Sultan Suwayeh Al Darmaki, Chief of the Anti-Drug Section at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and a number of other officers.
The celebration started with the national anthem, and was followed by verses from Holy Qur’an and a speech from Colonel Al Darmaki. He pointed out that the UAE’s celebration of World Drug Day this year has a special meaning, as the theme focuses on bad company. He stressed the importance of choosing good friends and the role that families play in guiding and advising their children and following up with their behavior.
He pointed out that the UAE is one of the leading countries in spreading drug awareness programs, “not only on the occasions where we reiterate the need to prevent these poisons, but by ensuring it becomes a deep-rooted approach; thanks to the policy of our higher leadership, which constantly focuses on the family as the cornerstone of society.” He explained that the country works to provide advanced capabilities to take care of the family and its members and protect them through social and security activities and events, which have become an inherent part of the strategy that regards the human element as the real wealth of a nation. To this end, the UAE has endeavored to diligently to provide the means and provisions for this happiness and wellbeing. Colonel Al Darmaki also pointed to the need for collaborated efforts from all societal institutions and the police to fight and combat drugs, and to also promote ways to protect families and members of society, particularly from the torments of drugs.
Colonel Al Darmaki called upon strong-willed people from all around the world who are willing to overcome drug addiction to seek the help of concerned authorities, who will provide discreet care in treating their drug addiction. He hailed the huge efforts of the people working behind the scenes in centers, clinics and hospitals that are specialized in treating and rehabilitating drug addicts as positive members of society.
Brigadier Al Muhairi then honored the partners who participated in fighting drugs and distributed appreciation certificates and commemorative gifts. The recipients included: Abu Dhabi Customs, “FakhrUAE” Association, Delma Mall, Security Information Department, Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC), Abu Dhabi Education Zone (ADEZ), the psychiatric hospital and Force 7 Department.
The sponsor of the celebration and the attendees toured the pavilions of the drugs’ risks awareness exhibition, with participation from Punitive and Correctional Institutions, Security Inspection Department, Medical Services Department, Department of Community Police, Social Support Centers Department, Emergency and Public Safety Department, Traffic and Patrols Directorate, Anti-Narcotics Trafficking Department, Tourism Police Section at Abu Dhabi Police, 999 Magazine, National Rehabilitation Center Abu Dhabi, ADEC, Abu Dhabi Customs Department, and The Red Crescent. The also watched the relevantly-themed play “My family, My Happiness.”