A 13-year-old boy who had become addicted to drugs after being seduced by WhatsApp messages was rescued by Sharjah Police in a troubling trend of online drug sales. When the boy’s behaviour changed significantly and his family notified the Anti-Narcotics Department, authorities moved quickly.
The teen was contacted by online dealers who used social media to trick young people into trying and eventually becoming dependent on drugs, according to investigations. Officials claim that these illicit vendors frequently utilise false promises or pretend to be pals in order to lure gullible kids.
A startling 912 occurrences of drug dealing via WhatsApp were reported by Sharjah’s Anti-Narcotics department in 2024 alone, suggesting an increase in tech-enabled trafficking strategies. Parents are now being advised by authorities to keep a tight eye on their children’s gadget use and to report any suspicious activity or communications right away.
The police keep running awareness programmes in communities and schools, focusing on the risks of drug usage and digital safety. This rescue serves as a reminder of how prompt action and attentive parenting can prevent catastrophic outcomes for young people.
