UAE VOWS TO STAMP OUT DRUGS

ABU DHABI - The UAE joined the world in marking the 'World Anti-Drugs Day'
on Saturday. In a statement marking the occasion, Interior Minister
Lt.-Gen. Dr Mohammed bin Saeed Al Badi said that by celebrating the
anti-drug day, the UAE reaffirms its commitment to fighting the danger of
drugs and protecting society against its challenges.

"The UAE contributes effectively to the regional and international efforts
to counter this problem which is considered one of the most dangerous
challenges facing the world today, especially in view of the existence of
international Mafias and gangs which control the activities of illicit
trading," Lt.-Gen. Dr Badi stated.

He said that the UAE, by the grace of Allah, has been able to take full
control of the situation against the spread of drugs in the country and
managed to combat drug trafficking and drug smuggling crimes.

He said on the directives of the President, His Highness Shaikh Zayed bin
Sultan Al Nahyan and Their Highnesses, Members of the Supreme Council and
Rulers of the emirates, a comprehensive strategy had been planned and
successfully executed in this regard, adding that the strategy was based on
preventive, curative and rehabilitation measures.

The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is
celebrated every year on June 26 to commemorate the signature of the
declaration adopted at the International Conference against Drug Abuse and
Illicit Drug Trafficking on that day in 1987.

At the national level, the UAE has lined up a number of activities to mark
the event.

In Abu Dhabi, the police has organised, among other activities, an
exhibition at the Abu Dhabi Mall. The exhibition, held under the theme
"Together towards a drugs-free society" was inaugurated on Saturday by
Major-General Mohammed Khamis Al Jinaibi, Deputy Director-General of Abu
Dhabi Police. Other emirates have also lined up various activities as part
of the celebration. Mosques across the country focused their Friday sermons
on the drug menace.

In his message marking the occasion, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan said
that one of the most damaging misconceptions about drug use was that it is
a permanent problem.

"The truth is that treatment for drug abuse can work, and can restore value
and dignity to a person's life. The theme for this year's International Day
against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, "Drugs, Treatment Works", aims
to correct this misconception, and convey the facts about drug abuse
treatment, based on the latest and most reliable evidence and research."

He said that millions of people worldwide had been directly affected by
drug problems - those who are dependent, as well as their families. Their
lives have been disrupted, their health undermined, their education
interrupted, their jobs lost, their families broken. People with
drug-related problems, and their families and friends, need to know that
there is a way out.