CAMPAIGN TO FIGHT WAR AGAINST DRUGS

DUBAI - The UAE, represented by the Ministry of Interior, will
organise on June 26 an anti-drugs campaign all over the country to
mark the Anti-Drugs International Day.

The campaign will seek to educate people about the dangerous impact of
drugs on their health.

Addressing a Press conference on Wednesday at Al Ahmadia police centre
in Ajman, Colonel Abdullah Ali Al Badawi, Secretary-General of the
Anti-Drugs Committee, said that the activities of the campaign would
be organised not only to mark the Anti-drugs international day but
also to raise public awareness and education on the crucial drugs
issue that will run though out the year.

He added that the success of the project will help in contributing to
society's protection and development by creating an awareness among
the people about the dangers of the drugs addiction and thus help
decrease the number of addicts even if the large quantity of the
contraband is available.

Col. Badawi said that the top officials of the ministry were making
great efforts to eliminate the addiction among the youths by
supporting all programmes that aim at society protection.

"This issue not only requires efforts at national level but also
demands cooperation from international organisations and other
countries which can help in controlling drug trafficking by tracking
the culprits.

He pointed out that UAE is one of the countries which are contributing
a great deal in the international cooperation against drugs.

The international society hailed the efforts made by the UAE in
fighting against drugs and invited the country to be member of the UN
Commission on Narcotic Drugs (UNCND).

To enhance its cooperation with UNCND, the Interior Ministry opened
semi-regional office of UNCND in the country for fighting against the
drugs.

"The UAE is providing financial as well as moral support to this
office," Col. Al Badawi said and called upon various sectors in the
society to interact and support the programme by participating and
contributing to make it a success.

Speaking about the activities of the programmes, he said that the
programme would be held in Ras Al Khaimah, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah,
Ajman.

Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah will feature various activities including
awareness lectures, exhibitions and plays on drugs.

Many publications, pamphlets, posters and stickers on awareness about
hazards of drugs on health will be distributed as part of the programmes.

Colonel Al Badawi pointed out that the programme would also include
various ceremonies to honour those who have contributed in the fight
against drugs, from both the government and the private sectors.