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Bahrain is 'winning war on drugs'

Manama, June 26, 2014

Bahrain has achieved remarkable progress in its fight against drugs, according to Interior Minister Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa. 
 
On the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the minister asserted that Bahrain continued to clamp down on dealers as well as prevent the crossing of narcotics to neighbouring countries, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.
 
"Narcotics are a worldwide problem that requires co-operation at the international level, in addition to national anti-drug abuse initiatives," Shaikh Rashid said.
 
The co-ordinated effort combats negative effects that drug abuse has on society and individuals. 
 
The minister said such negative effects include destructive social behaviour that hinder the potential of youth and contribute to unemployment, crime and violence. Treatment can be expensive for not only individuals but also the state.
 
Shaikh Rashid called for anti-drug initiatives from both public and private organisations.
 
Prevent
 
He said an effort needs to be undertaken to stunt the spread of drug use and dealers.
 
The National Anti-Drug Committee was established in 2006 to control and follow-up on drug issues and to set a national plan to prevent drug addiction and promote law enforcement.
 
The panel has completed the National Drug Fighting Strategy and its implementation mechanisms in its last meeting on April 7 of this year.
 
Meanwhile, the Anti-Drug Directorate continues to confiscate large quantities of drugs.
 
Statistics indicate that in the first five months of the year, 399 cases were investigated and 187kg of hashish and other narcotics were confiscated.
 
However, there were 14 cases of drug-related deaths in the same period.
 
In 2013, there were 934 cases, confiscation of 51kg of narcotics and 13 deaths among youth.
 
Moreover, a new substance called Arabic Suwaka has also come under the radar and penalties for its use and trade are currently being drafted.
 
The Interior Ministry co-operates with specialised bodies in treating addiction and organises awareness campaigns.
 
Marking the day could be an invitation to parents to supervise the behaviour of their children to protect them from addiction and drug-related crimes, the minister added. - TradeArabia News Service



Tags: Bahrain | Drugs | fight | progress |

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