President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has announced the establishment of the National Anti-Narcotics Authority and named Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan as its Chairman.The new authority will replace the General Department of Anti-Narcotics in the Ministry of Interior and will function as an independent federal entity affiliated to the UAE Cabinet.
It will be tasked with formulating and implementing policies, legislation and strategies to combat narcotics, as well as tracking and dismantling smuggling and distribution networks in coordination with relevant authorities at both federal and local levels.It will also develop licensing mechanisms, trading and storage conditions, and customs clearance procedures.
The authority will undertake a comprehensive set of vital mandates, reflecting the UAE’s strategic vision to bolster community security and combat various drug-related crimes.This step aims to strengthen the national ecosystem for combating narcotics.