• Wednesday, November 15,2023

Abu Dhabi hosts international training on law enforcement role in preventing drug abuse

In collaboration between the Ministry of the Interior and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, a comprehensive international training initiative was conducted focusing on the guidance document The Role of Law Enforcement Agencies in Preventing Drug Abuse in Schools. The document outlines the science of prevention, international standards, the police and law enforcement agencies' roles, and the significance of effective communication within the school environment, emphasizing preventive sciences and evaluation.
Prepared by experts from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in collaboration with the World Health Organization, its goal is to enhance the expertise of personnel in prevention and child safety. During the three-day training in Abu Dhabi, an opening presentation by the Ministry of the Interior and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime outlined the exercise's objectives and introduced participants.
Brigadier Saeed Abdullah bin Tuwar Al Suwaidi, Director General of the General Department of Narcotics Control at the Ministry of Interior, emphasized the ministry's commitment to strengthening efforts through partnerships to bolster community security. This international training is part of continuing efforts to raise community awareness and enhance capabilities in drug prevention, particularly safeguarding children and young people. It underscores the UAE's leading role and efforts in protection, prevention, and community safety.
Judge Dr. Hatem Ali, Regional Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime for the Gulf Cooperation Council region, highlighted the training's importance in empowering law enforcement forces in drug prevention and community protection. The guidance document, developed by experts from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the World Health Organization, forms the core of this international training, providing essential principles and guidelines.
Presentations on the second day focused on preventing drug abuse in schools within the context of law enforcement, evolving the guidance document, United Nations' international standards for drug prevention, and integrating advanced science into prevention practices. The day also addressed the role of science in enhancing the police's role in prevention, effective communication sciences, and building community partnerships to boost prevention efforts.
On the third day, the training focused on the crucial elements for a successful drug prevention strategy led by law enforcement agencies. It emphasized the significance of continuous evaluation and updating and discussed how to implement the guidance document at the national level following this international training.