SHARJAH : In a significant move to reduce road accidents, Sharjah will bar drug users and peddlers from getting driving licence.Commander-in-Chief of Sharjah Police Major-General Humaid Mohammed Al Hudaidi has issued a decision to subject all new applicants for driving licence to background checks by the police’s Anti-Narcotics Department and not to accept the applications of those who are proved to have been involved in cases related to drugs. Maj-Gen Al Hudaidi said on Thursday that the move was part of the keenness of the Sharjah Police to reduce accidents caused by addicted motorists and curb drug peddling.
He said the new step and other strict measures will also discourage those who break the laws and involve in drug cases. In Dubai, the driving licences of drug users and peddlers are revoked as per a decision taken by police Commander-in-Chief Lt-General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim in October 2009. Lt-Gen Dhahi Khalfan had cited that drug traffickers destroyed the youths and the economy, spread corruption, affected the safety of the community and caused traffic accidents. Cancelling their driving licences would help stop their operations, reduce traffic accidents caused by driving under the influence of drugs, and reduce the risks faced by the police while attempting to arrest them. Senior police officers in Dubai had later stated that the decision to cancel the driving licences had helped curb drug running, reduce traffic accidents caused by the addicts, and to impound several cars used in illegal operations.
He said the new step and other strict measures will also discourage those who break the laws and involve in drug cases. In Dubai, the driving licences of drug users and peddlers are revoked as per a decision taken by police Commander-in-Chief Lt-General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim in October 2009. Lt-Gen Dhahi Khalfan had cited that drug traffickers destroyed the youths and the economy, spread corruption, affected the safety of the community and caused traffic accidents. Cancelling their driving licences would help stop their operations, reduce traffic accidents caused by driving under the influence of drugs, and reduce the risks faced by the police while attempting to arrest them. Senior police officers in Dubai had later stated that the decision to cancel the driving licences had helped curb drug running, reduce traffic accidents caused by the addicts, and to impound several cars used in illegal operations.