KILLER ADDICTION

GIVEN the magnitude of its consequences, drug trafficking is one of the
heinous crimes of our times.

That it is putting not only individuals but families and the society at
large at grave risk is an undisputed fact. Considering the havoc it plays
with human lives, governments after governments are devising strategies to
curb the menance, but the overall situation remains serious.

It is in this context that the recent survey done by the Criminal
Investigation Department (CID) of Dubai Police found a majority of
respondents backing death penalty for drug traffickers. That the Dubai
Police are serious in their approach to the problem is evident from the
fact that the department has spent as much as Dh150 million on various
anti-drug campaigns so far. As many as 667 drug users were rounded up in
Dubai last year, a year when five drug-related deaths were recorded.
Besides, the Dubai Police joined hands with the Ministry of Labour and
Social Affairs to set up a joint committee this year to study the problem
of drug addicts in vulnerable areas.

Some 450 young men and women involved in one way or the other with drug
rings are under constant surveillance, their blood being compulsorily
checked every three months.

Capping it all, it has also come up with a "Say No To Drugs' campaign, the
effects of which all are worth watching.

No less significant is the prospect that a national strategy to fight drug
abuse is due for implementation next year. What cannot be overemphasised is
the need for improved intelligence with regard to the arrival of drugs into
the country, especially as the entry routes are well known.

It is common knowledge that most of the drugs being smuggled into the
emirate come from a neighbouring country, while the rest find their way
through the airport. Abuse of cannabis and cannabis resin, both available
in the region in plenty and at cheap rates, is a major concern.

However, while dealing with the offence of drug trafficking, we cannot
ignore the causes that lead to this dangerous habit, especially among the
youth. Dubai's own records show that nearly 75 percent of the children who
are found involved in drug abuse come from broken homes.

That they are unable to withstand the psychological pressure being exerted
by family problems and find solace in drugs, is a fact. This being so, they
should be treated with sympathy, and efforts should be aimed above all at
their rehabilitation and social reintegration.