The Chairman of National Anti Narcotics Authority honours distinguished personnel during a special ceremony held this week the Emirates News Agency reported. Brigadier General Mohammed Khamis Al Suwaidi presented awards to a select group of officers and civilian staff who demonstrated exceptional performance in narcotics control operations and awareness campaigns. The event highlighted the authority’s ongoing commitment to combating drug trafficking and supporting rehabilitation programs throughout the country.
Several recipients were recognized for their roles in major interdiction efforts that resulted in significant seizures of illicit substances according to authority figures. The honors included certificates of appreciation and medals for both field operatives and administrative personnel who contributed to policy development and community outreach initiatives. Al Suwaidi emphasized the importance of teamwork in achieving national targets for reducing drug-related crimes.
Data from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime shows the UAE has strengthened its regional cooperation on counter-narcotics in recent years with joint operations leading to increased intercepts along key trafficking routes. The authority’s latest annual report placed the number of awareness workshops conducted at more than 500 reaching tens of thousands of students and employees across federal entities. Such figures underscore the multi-pronged strategy combining enforcement rehabilitation and prevention.
The honored personnel represented various departments within the authority including intelligence analysis border security and public education teams. Each awardee was selected based on performance metrics tracked over the past 12 months the statement said. The ceremony served as an annual tradition to motivate staff and align efforts with national security priorities.
Broader efforts by Gulf Cooperation Council members have seen drug seizure volumes rise by approximately 15 percent year-on-year according to a 2025 regional security assessment with the UAE contributing a substantial share through enhanced technology and training programs. The National Anti-Narcotics Authority continues to collaborate with international partners to disrupt supply chains originating from production hotspots. Officials noted that sustained recognition of excellence remains central to maintaining operational effectiveness in this domain.
