Pubdate: Sat, 27 Dec 2008 Source: Gulf News (UAE) Copyright: 2008, Al Nisr Publishing, LLC Contact: http://www.gulf-news.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1604 WORK IN UNISON TO TACKLE DRUGS Dealing with the fight against narcotics requires many variables if the effort is to achieve its set goals. The UAE, like many other countries, also faces the threats of being targeted by drug traffickers. The only means to fight it is through the outlining of an organised and well-planned approach. The anti-narcotics unit at Dubai Police has been expanded into a full-fledged department, a step that has been adopted to increase efficiency in combating drug traffickers and countering a growing global drug abuse phenomenon. Such a step is welcome, as it would positively facilitate for more organised and structured approach in dealing with the problem. "The expansion of the city, the increase in global narcotics business and the increase in narcotics productivity in Afghanistan has prompted Dubai Police to set up this department, as it will have more focus on combating drugs on local and international levels," said Lieutenant General Dahi Khalfan Tamim, chief of Dubai Police. The combat though would also require that efforts on various fronts work in unison. Besides the police and other official entities, the role of schools and the family are also of importance. Such an approach will ensure that the problem is addressed appropriately. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom