Family member on drugs? UAE 'e-check' will help you find out

Families in the UAE can detect any early signs of drug abuse and addiction within their family by using the Ministry of Interior’s ‘Mukafih’ service.

Colonel Saeed Abdullah Al Suwaidi, Director-General of Anti-Narcotics at Federal Directorate General at the Ministry of Interior, noted that the service would help families to protect their young ones from the dangers of drugs.

Through ‘Mukafih’ service, people can call to know the status of anyone from their family about the drug addiction by answering questions electronically. Then the system analyses and, accordingly, responds to the caller – negatively or positively, Arabic daily ‘Emart Al Youm’ reported.

On the eve of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Al Suwaidi explained that ‘Mukafih’ service provides a wide range of information on the dangers of drug.

Callers may also inquire about the types and dangers of drugs, and learn to recognise the different signs and symptoms of drug abuse in their family. They may also take an electronic test provided by the ‘Mukafih’ service, ‘Is my Child on Drugs?’ to determine suspected cases of drug use and abuse within their family, which automatically assesses the case and the danger level.

The ‘Mukafih’ service also guides how to judge people in the family through appearance and behaviour in case they’re drug addict.

Since its launch in May 2015, nearly 10,000 calls and text messages have been received through its toll-free number (80044) and messaging service (2244).

In an earlier statement, Colonel Al Suwaidi called upon public to report any suspicious case, and to cooperate with police officers to arrest anyone who attempts to sell harmful substances.

He also stressed on the need for concerted efforts between all entities and institutions with the police, with the aim of curtailing drug addiction among community members.

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