ABU DHABI, UAE — UAE authorities are warning parents about increasingly deceptive methods used by drug traffickers to reach children and teenagers, including disguising narcotic substances in sweets, treating ordinary paper with drugs and sending unexpected packages or gifts.
The National Drug Enforcement Authority said the methods have been identified by security agencies as part of efforts to prevent young people from being drawn into substance abuse.
The warning comes as UAE authorities place greater emphasis on prevention, particularly as drug networks increasingly use digital channels and unconventional methods to approach younger audiences.
Three methods raising concern
One of the methods involves narcotics being absorbed into sheets of A4 paper, allowing the material to appear like an ordinary stationery product.
The UAE has previously reported cases involving drug-infused paper. In 2024, Sharjah Police said officers seized A4 sheets containing the synthetic drug known as Spice after intercepting a package arriving through a shipping company.
Authorities have also warned about narcotics being concealed in sweets, as well as unsolicited parcels and gifts sent through delivery services from unfamiliar numbers or people.
For families, officials say the key warning sign is not a particular type of package but an unexplained delivery, gift or contact that a child cannot clearly account for.
Parents urged to stay connected
The National Drug Enforcement Authority is urging parents to make communication with their children part of everyday family life rather than waiting for a crisis.
Officials say parents should pay attention to significant or unexplained behavioral changes and seek professional guidance when concerns arise.
The approach is part of a wider shift toward prevention and early intervention, with families and schools playing a central role in helping young people recognize and reject risky approaches.
The authority’s current prevention strategy also addresses online networks that attempt to promote or distribute drugs to teenagers and young adults.
Confidential help is available
The UAE has also expanded its support system for people affected by substance abuse.
The National Drug Enforcement Authority’s Hisn service, available on 80044, provides confidential support, treatment and rehabilitation services around the clock. The service connects callers with psychiatrists, addiction specialists and behavioral counselors and can also guide families on recognizing early signs of substance use.
The service is designed to provide a confidential route to medical and rehabilitation support. UAE law also provides protection from criminal liability for people who voluntarily seek treatment through the service or are referred by relatives, according to the authority.
This treatment-focused approach is intended to make it easier for individuals and families to seek help before substance use develops into a more serious problem.
Border controls strengthened
Prevention efforts are being accompanied by tighter enforcement at the UAE’s borders.
The National Drug Enforcement Authority works with customs and other government bodies to monitor people, goods and transport routes and detect attempts to bring narcotics into the country. The authority says it is also using technology and intelligence-led methods to identify trafficking networks and emerging distribution tactics.
For parents, officials’ latest message is straightforward: unexpected gifts, unexplained deliveries and sudden changes in a child’s behavior should not be dismissed when there are other reasons for concern.
Authorities are expected to continue combining enforcement with awareness campaigns aimed at families, schools and young people as trafficking networks adapt their methods.
