Description
of the problem:
The
UAE is facing an increasing problem of drug use in its states. The yearly
usage is increasing every year despite having strict laws from the government.
The
quality of life in the UAE has become multiple times better than it used to be
30 years ago. However, with this development, some anti-social behaviors have
also taken their place in the society. Drug use in the UAE is one of those behaviors.
The usage of drugs in the UAE is increasing and the social climate also seems
to be benefiting this behavior rapidly,. (Sarhan & Sulaiman, 1995)
Introduction:
The
UAE has been facing a severe problem of drug usage. However, the UAE has
strict laws within the state to control this problem. Even the smallest
amounts of cannabis, heroin, crack, weed, cocaine etc are can be detected
resulting in heavy and severe punishments. Sometimes, these punishments can go
up to death. Life long prison is very common if caught using, selling or
buying any kind of illegal drug. Despite this strict environment, use of drugs
is increasing every year. This anti-social behavior is
affecting the society badly and authorities are trying to overcome this
problem to their best. A research shows that expatriates who are employed in
the UAE are mostly responsible for the sale and purchase of drugs. Other than
expatriates, illegal immigrants are also responsible and equally involved in
this activity. The percentage of UAE citizens is very low as UAE has extremely
strict laws. (Useful
Tips About UAE)
Analysis:
In
the UAE, the increasing trend of drug usage is resulting in the decline of
first drug use age. The UAE authorities have found out that drug addicts as
young as 12 are becoming more common. In the last 10 years, first drug use age
has been declining constantly. According to a survey conducted by a UK
organization, 90% of the victims or criminals in UAE jails were addicted to
drugs or were imprisoned due to illegal drugs. these statistics show that a
large percentage of criminals in the UAE are because of illegal usage, sale or
purchase of different types of drugs. The major portion of the above mentioned
criminals were mostly from other countries.
In
the same survey, out of those 90% criminals, 80% had been imprisoned for more
than 20 years. 18% between 5 to 10 years and 5% less than 5 years. This proves
that UAE law is very strict in dealing with individuals who are directly or
indirectly associated with the drug industry. (Thomas, 2013)
In
2013, 3o people died due to drug overdose, as stated by a Sharjah Public
Prosecution official. This year so far, 6 people have already died due to the
same reason. 30 people who died were mostly UAE citizens and aged around 30 or
above. The people who died used different kinds of drugs as reported by the
official. (Agarib, 2014)
In
2009, the UN released a report stating that the UAE is a major player in
exporting drugs to other countries. The most common cases in the courts of
Dubai were of drug abuse during 2008 and 2009. Despite severe punishments, the
UAE seems to have more and more cases of drug abuse. As a matter of fact, drug
abuse has become a global issue.
In
April 2013, UAE’s 999 magazine claimed that drug abuse is becoming a serious
threat for UAE citizens and the users as young as 10 years old were also found
using drugs in their schools. These drugs were provided to them by senior boys
in an effort to fund their drug use habits. (Drug
Rehab for UAE)
Conclusion:
As
drug use is becoming a universal problem, it needs to be dealt with globally.
In the UAE alone, there is a huge number of drug addicts even though the UAE
government has zero tolerance policy regarding addictive substances and drugs.
Apart from strict rules and policies, the UAE government has to take extra
measures. It is seen that severe punishments are not enough to deal with this
matter. Since, drug use habits have penetrated to such an extent in the
society of the UAE, the UAE government should take care of those whose have
already been involved in this habit. Controlling the new ones and
rehabilitating the old ones would be a better approach to deal with this
problem. Therefore, the UAE government should create m ore and more rehab
centers like many other countries have done in their states to deal with this
problem in an effective way.
