The launching event was attended by His Excellency Major General Omar Ahmed Bu Al Zoud, Director General of the General Department of Criminal Security and Ports; His Excellency Brigadier Faisal bin Nassar, Director General of the General Department of Community Protection and Prevention; Brigadier Khalid Al Kai, Director of the Traffic and Patrols Directorate; Brigadier Majid Sultan Al Asam, Director of the Prevention and Anti-Narcotics Directorate; and a number of senior officers and officials.

Interactive awareness activities

The platform features a variety of interactive materials and awareness activities highlighting the dangers of drug addiction and its health, social and security consequences, while introducing the latest prevention methods through a comprehensive awareness guide.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to benefit from the traffic black points reduction initiative throughout the event, encouraging community participation in awareness programmes and promoting a culture of social responsibility.

Educational experience for children and youth

The platform also features an innovative interactive game in which children and young people pass through awareness stations that require them to make the right or wrong choices by taking appropriate decisions.

The experience aims to reinforce the message that making the right decision is the key to protecting individuals from falling into drug abuse. It combines awareness with hands-on learning, delivering preventive messages in an engaging and easy-to-understand way for all age groups.

Legal awareness and voluntary treatment

The event also included legal awareness on Article 89 of the Federal Decree-Law on Combating Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, which allows individuals using narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances to voluntarily seek treatment.

Applications may be submitted by the individual, a second-degree relative, or the educational institution where the individual is enrolled, after completing the required legal procedures. The individual is then admitted to a specialised treatment unit until discharge is approved.

This reflects the UAE's humanitarian approach to dealing with drug users by prioritising treatment and rehabilitation before criminal accountability, in accordance with legal provisions.

Confidential reporting hotline

The platform also highlighted the dedicated toll-free number 8004654 for reporting drug-related information and enquiries. The confidential hotline serves as a secure channel that strengthens community partnership and enables members of the public to report information that helps protect society and limit the spread of drugs.

Prevention as the first line of defence

Brigadier Majid Sultan Al Asam, Director of the Prevention and Anti-Narcotics Directorate, said organising the event reflects Sharjah Police's commitment to reinforcing prevention as the cornerstone of combating drugs and raising public awareness of their dangers and impact on individuals, families and society.

He stressed that community awareness represents the first line of defence against drugs, highlighting the importance of cooperation among institutions, families and individuals in promoting a culture of prevention and reporting to help protect society and enhance its security and stability.