Minister: Fighting narcotics community responsibility

Manama, June 27 (BNA): Interior Minister, Lieutenant-General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa delivered the following speech to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking: “The celebration of the Kingdom of Bahrain to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26 comes as part of the global efforts to confront the threat, through deterrent legislations and active security measures. Fighting narcotics is a community responsibility through the cooperation of all organisations and a comprehensive community partnership to create a society that is free from narcotics. “In this context, the National Anti-drug committee was formed in 2006 and the National Anti-drug Psychotropic Substances Plan was launched in 2015. They both showed many success indications in cooperation with the partners. 86 percent of the plan was achieved of 236 out of 276 steps. “Meanwhile, the accomplishments of the Anti-narcotics Directorate in 2017 included the discovery of 1981 cases that varied from drug use, dealing and trafficking and the arrest of 1305 individuals. “From January to May 31, the department registered 579 cases that involved 725 individuals. The achievements indicate the security readiness to confront drug-related issues and efforts to fulfil the targeted goals. The dedication to parents to look after their children to protect them from drug-related illegal activities is also essential. Parents should also be assisted to help them discover signs of addictions of their children. “The day is being marked by a host of activities and various events, including a conference that highlights the role of the media in fighting narcotic use and dealing. I expressed thanks and appreciation to all national efforts, including the representatives of organisations in the National Anti-drug Committee and the Maan (together) programme against violence and addiction. Thanks are also extended to the police personnel of the Anti-narcotic Directorate and borders and ports authorities.”