The UAE has tightened laws to combat use of narcotics, including imprisonment and heavy penalties for medical practitioners who misuse their authority to prescribe and dispense such drugs.
It also mandates the deportation of foreign nationals convicted of narcotics offences following the completion of their sentences.
The amendments of certain provisions of the Federal Decree-Law on Combating Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substancesare part of the UAE’s ongoing efforts to strengthen community protection, uphold justice, safeguard rights and enhance the national framework for combating narcotics in line with the highest regulatory, health and security standards.
The decree-law aligns with recent institutional and regulatory developments in the medical products sector and in narcotics control. Under the amendments, references to the Ministry of Health and Prevention and the Minister of Health and Prevention in the original law are replaced with the Emirates Drug Establishment and its chairperson, establishing the entity as the competent authority responsible for the regulation of medical products in the country.
References to the Ministry of Interior are replaced with the National Anti-Narcotics Authority, reflecting its central role in leading national efforts to combat narcotics-related crimes.
The amendments also enhance the capacity of the health sector by permitting federal health authorities and private health facilities to establish specialised units for the treatment and rehabilitation of individuals addicted to narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
The detailed regulations governing these units will be issued by the UAE Cabinet. Local authorities may establish similar units within their respective jurisdictions.
The amendments also enhance the capacity of the health sector by permitting federal health authorities and private health facilities to establish specialised units for the treatment and rehabilitation of individuals addicted to narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
The detailed regulations governing these units will be issued by the UAE Cabinet. Local authorities may establish similar units within their respective jurisdictions.