Authorities have urged parents to watch for suspicious deliveries and unusual changes in their children’s behaviour.
Abu Dhabi: UAE authorities have warned parents about increasingly deceptive methods being used by drug traffickers, including concealing narcotic substances in sweets, A4 paper and unexpected delivery packages.
The National Anti-Narcotics Authority said security agencies have recently identified three methods being used to conceal or distribute drugs, prompting a renewed warning to families and young people across the UAE.
One method involves narcotic substances being dissolved or absorbed into sheets of A4 paper, making them difficult to identify during transportation. Authorities have also detected drugs concealed inside sweets.
A third method involves suspicious packages or gifts being sent through delivery companies, sometimes from unknown or unfamiliar numbers. Parents and young people have been urged not to accept unexpected deliveries or gifts when the sender or contents cannot be verified.
Parents urged to watch for behavioural changes.
The National Anti-Narcotics Authority said families remain an important line of defence against attempts to expose children and teenagers to drugs.
Through its digital awareness campaigns, the authority has encouraged parents to maintain open communication with their children and remain alert to unusual changes in behaviour.
It identified awareness, family stability and emotional support as key elements in protecting young people from substance abuse. Authorities also stressed that addiction should be treated as an illness requiring professional treatment and care, rather than allowing fear or stigma to prevent families from seeking help.
Early intervention, officials said, can help families address problems before they become more serious.
People dealing with substance abuse, as well as their families, can contact the Hisn service on 80044 for confidential reporting, support and treatment.
UAE strengthens border checks
The warning comes alongside continued cooperation between the National Anti-Narcotics Authority, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security and local customs departments to prevent drugs from entering the country.
Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director-General of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, highlighted the importance of coordination between government agencies and continued improvements to customs inspection systems.
The National Anti-Narcotics Authority also recently concluded a nationwide awareness campaign conducted with the UAE Government Media Office under the slogan “United in Eliminating the Scourge.”
The campaign focused on families, schools and young people, with an emphasis on awareness, communication and helping children recognise and reject attempts to involve them in drug use.
Authorities have additionally warned about electronic cigarettes and vaping devices, which can potentially be exploited in drug-related activities.
Officials said continued awareness at home, in schools and across digital platforms remains essential as traffickers develop new ways of approaching and concealing drugs from young people.
Source: Gulf News
Illustrative image. Authorities urged parents to maintain open communication and watch for early warning signs.
