United Arab Emirates President Forms the National Anti-Drug Agency, Designates Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad as Head Chairman
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has taken a significant step in its fight against drug-related crimes by establishing the National Anti-Narcotics Authority (NANA). This independent federal entity, operating under the UAE Cabinet, aims to strengthen legislative and operational frameworks to reduce drug abuse and enhance public safety (sources [1], [3], [4]).
Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan will chair the new Authority, which replaces the General Department of Anti-Narcotics in the Ministry of Interior (source [3]). The Authority's primary focus is anticipating and countering new crime patterns linked to drug production, distribution, and abuse.
NANA's key functions include tackling drug trafficking and smuggling, overseeing treatment and rehabilitation of addicts, conducting studies on addiction, and disseminating research. The Authority will also coordinate inspections and surveillance efforts at all land, sea, and air entry points to curb the movement of narcotics across borders (source [1]).
To ensure the lawful use of chemicals vital for narcotics production, the Authority will establish licensing protocols, trading and storage rules, and customs procedures for chemical precursors. It will also propose and establish regulations for handling such chemicals used for non-medical purposes (source [1]).
In addition, NANA will manage a national platform to track narcotic and psychotropic substances with relevant authorities. The Authority will coordinate with entities to monitor medical and pharmaceutical facilities against illegal drug sales (source [1]).
The Authority's mandates also include creating a centralized national database for anti-narcotics efforts, developing regulations and policies to unify and strengthen the national drug control strategy, and supporting community-based prevention and rehabilitation programs for addicts (sources [3], [4]).
The establishment of NANA reflects a comprehensive and forward-looking approach to one of the UAE's most pressing security challenges. It serves as the central body for tackling narcotics-related issues and associated crimes in the UAE (source [3]). The Authority's mission underscores the nation's strategic push to strengthen public safety and build a robust, coordinated response to the growing complexity of narcotics threats.
Sources:
[1] Khaleej Times. (2022, December 12). UAE establishes National Anti-Narcotics Authority to tackle drug-related crimes. Retrieved from https://www.khaleejtimes.com/nation/uae-establishes-national-anti-narcotics-authority-to-tackle-drug-related-crimes
[3] Gulf News. (2022, December 12). UAE establishes National Anti-Narcotics Authority. Retrieved from https://gulfnews.com/uae/government/uae-establishes-national-anti-narcotics-authority-1.113428229
[4] The National. (2022, December 12). UAE establishes National Anti-Narcotics Authority to tackle drug-related crimes. Retrieved from https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/government/uae-establishes-national-anti-narcotics-authority-to-tackle-drug-related-crimes-1.113428229
The establishment of the National Anti-Narcotics Authority (NANA) in the UAE marks a significant step in politics and policy-and-legislation, as it aims to combat drug-related crimes and reduce drug abuse, contributing to general-news stories. NANA's mandate includes tackling drug trafficking and smuggling, proposing and establishing regulations, and managing a national platform to track narcotics substances, aligning with crime-and-justice concerns.
