Rise in drug cases involving nationals

The number of UAE nationals involved in drug cases increased considerably during the first quarter of 2012 compared to the same period last year, according to the statistics from the Dubai Police. The statistics compiled by the General Department of Anti Narcotics of the Dubai Police revealed that 85 UAE nationals were involved in drug cases during the first three months of this year, compared to 54 during the same period in 2011. The department attributed the increase to the fact that four additional substances were added to the banned list. The department has exerted efforts during the past three years to include drug substances and also to activate article 41 of federal law, which stipulated that drugs users will be sentenced to at least one year and not more than three years. The total number of drug uses during the first three months of 2012 has reached 238, compared to 160 in 2011. The number of foreigners involved in drug cases climbed just one to 77 during the first quarter, compared to 76 in the same period last year. The number of Arab nationals involved in drugs has increased ?by 110 per cent, from 34 during the same period last year to 76 this year. So far this year, the police have recorded 124 cases of pill use, 65 cases of drugs, 13 for promoting drugs, five for smuggling and 47 for possession. The use of hashish is down to 46 cases so far this year, compared to 55 during the correlating period in 2011. During the first quarter of 2012, there have also been 13 cases ?of use of marijuana, 10 of heroin, nine of opium and three of ?cocaine. The total number of drugs cases has increased and reached 238 during the first three months of 2012 compared to 160 in 2011. The number of cases of drug possession topped the list with 83 compared to 32 last year while there were 23 cases of drug ?promotion.