Police Warn Of UAE Student Drug Abuse

This week, UAE police told of the increasing dangers posed by prescription drug abuse in UAE schools.

In Dubai, Major General Abdul Jalil Mahdi Al Asmawi, director of the General Department of Anti-Narcotics at Dubai Police, told the Gulf News a recent drug ring case revealed the role of a teen in the gang. He went on to say the police are now seeing children as young as 12 involved in drug cases. “Some schools have the courage and the morals to report children who are addicts in their school or those who sell drugs. I encourage all schools to report such cases to us in order to protect a whole generation,” he said.

Meanwhile, in Sharjah figures were released showing a three year rise in the numbers of children involved in drug cases, with figures detailing over the past three years 925 children were linked to drug cases in the Emirate. Major Mohammed Ahmed Al Khumairi told the Kaleej Times that a recent report compiled by the police’s Anti-Narcotic Department, detailed how both schools and parents in the Emirate were effectively covering-up student narcotic abuse.

He went on to say that in many cases parents were unaware of the dangers of prescription drug abuse and often hinder or ignore the situation.  “During raids of houses of students involved in drug crimes, we faced abuse and resistance from mothers who don’t understand that we are trying to rescue their sons... so the department is planning to intensify awareness campaigns targeting students and their parents,” he said.

The Drugs YOU Need to be Aware of-

The number one offender in the UAE is the prescription drug Tramadol. The opiate whose brand names include: Ultracet and Ultram is used to treat pain. Tramadol users (and abusers) quickly build tolerance to the drug and require larger and larger doses to obtain the desired effect.

Other prescription drugs commonly found illegally in the UAE include: Artin, (Penicillamine), prescribed for Wilson disease and severe rheumatic pain.  Camadrin/Kemadrin for Parkinsons and Dormicum (midazolam) which is prescribed for short-term insomnia. To a lesser extend there is also Lyrica to control seizures and treat nerve pain and Legaflex (Carisoprodol) used to stop pain in the nerves and brain.

8 Signs YOUR Child May Be Abusing Prescription Drugs

Any changes in sleep habit

Fluctuations in energy level

Reduced personal hygiene

Mood swings and personality changes

Any sudden drop or change in school grades

Rapid change of friends

Loss of Appetite

Constricted eye pupils

Keeping YOUR Teen Drug-Free

• Keep their time filled with positive activities.  Children who are meaningfully engaged in sports, academic or social activities are less prone to get involved with drug use.

• Monitor their friends: Knowing who your kids are spending time with and get to know their parents

• Foster open dialog: Open communication with both teachers and children helps nurture a relationship in which teens feel safe talking about anything that is bothering them. All children will have secrets, but you need to take an interest in your teen and encourage him/her to discuss what is going on in their lives.

What the Government is Doing to Protect Your Child

Police are urging parents and schools to get informed on the signs of drug abuse and report any suspicions they might have.

The government is currently blocking over 40 websites which enable people to buy drugs online.

The 'No to Drugs' campaign to be launched next month, will see Dubai Police raising awareness among children, teachers and parents about the dangers of drug abuse.

Plans are underway for a drugs rehabilitation centre in Dubai, for those who are found to be abusing narcotics.