Abu Dhabi health official calls for outlaw of psychoactive substances

A senior official at the Ministry of Health recommended that 13 psychoactive substances that could be abused be banned to the UAE list of controlled medicines.

ABU DHABI // A senior health official has called for 13 psychoactive substances to be outlawed.

Dr Amin Al Amiri, assistant under-secretary at the Ministry of Health, also recommended three types of natural drugs, kratom, kafa and salvia, are banned, reported state news agency Wam.

Speaking at the Hemaya International Forum on Drugs, he also gave details on how authorities were foiling smugglers’ attempts to bring drugs into the country.

Dr Amiri said 29 per cent of the smuggled drugs were seized in post offices, 26 per cent at airports and 17 per cent at land borders.

He also said the Narcotic Drug Review Committee would be investigating other medicines to see if they should be added to the list of controlled items.

The committee also called for standardising prescription of controlled medicines and psychiatric drugs.

It also recommended an electronic system for the prescription and dispensation of medicines and psychiatric drugs in both the public and private sectors.

The Hemaya International Forum on Drugs, which was organised by Dubai Police, concluded on Thursday.

It was attended by experts from across the world, who discussed issues such as tacking drug abuse and smuggling, and the role of television and films in indirectly promoting drugs.