JOINING HANDS TO TACKLE THE MENACE

Ras Al Khaimah -- Wide-spread international cooperation and careful coordination are the only effective ways to tackle the spread of drugs, a senior official said.

The UAE had not been satisfied with fighting drugs on the local level, but decided to move its active role to an international level, said Colonel Abdullah Ali Al Badawi, the head of the Anti-Narcotics Department in the Interior Ministry.

Officials have been exchanging information with many countries and international organisations, and carrying out joint operations.

As such, the international community has recognised the UAE's fight against drugs on the local and international levels.  The UAE was selected as a member of the UN Anti-Drugs and Crimes Committee and will host a regional Anti-Drugs Office.

The UAE decided to pay all the expenses of setting up the office.  The cabinet has already allocated a budget to complete this mission.

During the observances yesterday, the Ras Al Khaimah Police Department launched its website, providing online services and advice to the public: www.rakpolice.gov.ae.