President sets up National Anti-Narcotics Authority

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan has issued a federal decree-law establishing the National Anti-Narcotics Authority and appointed Sheikh Zayed Bin Hamad Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan as its Chairman.

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This step aims to strengthen the national ecosystem for combating narcotics, and unify the federal and local effort in this regard, to ensure the safety of the UAE community and its members.

The new Authority - established to replace the General Department of Anti-Narcotics in the Ministry of Interior - is an independent federal entity affiliated to the UAE Cabinet.

The Authority is 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.

The National Anti-Narcotics Authority will undertake a comprehensive set of vital mandates, reflecting the UAE's strategic vision to bolster community security, combat various drug-related crimes, and ensure an effective legislative and operational environment to curb this phenomenon.

A key mandate includes tackling drug trafficking by tracking and dismantling smuggling and distribution networks, coordinating with security and judicial authorities to ensure offenders are brought to justice in accordance with the nation's laws.