Interior Minister stresses Bahrain's anti-narcotic efforts

Manama, Sept. 25 (BNA): Interior Minister, General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa attended today the concluding ceremony for the community partnership conference for combating narcotics. The three-day event attracted participants from GCC countries, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and drug addiction treatment and precaution centres, along with experts from inside and outside Bahrain. The Interior Minister expressed thanks and appreciation to all parties participating in the national anti-narcotic efforts. He praised the work papers at the conference that underscored the role of responsible community partnership in fighting drug abuse. He added that the event was part of the efforts to deal with narcotic-related challenges and their influences on social and homeland security. He hoped for concerted efforts to face the challenge and boost the kingdom's status as one of the leading countries in fighting narcotics. The Interior Minister explained that the youth are the targeted group and their energies and awareness are essential to protect them from addiction. He noted that the conference was among the official efforts that would continue with the focus on the cooperation of youth. Director-General of Criminal Investigation and Forensic Science, Brigadier Abdulaziz Al Rumaihi asserted that for the second consecutive year experts gathered to discuss methods to fight narcotics and set national plans to curb this dangerous phenomenon. He stressed the role of treatment and support of specialised rehabilitation centres. He also asserted the need for continuous assistance to recovered addicts or those wishing to quit addiction, pledging to spare no efforts to integrate them into the society. Meanwhile, Regional Director of the UNODC, Hatem Ali, in his speech, conveyed the greetings of the UNODC Executive Director, Yury Fedotov. He said that such conferences represent a platform to exchange views, policies and strategies on the risks of illicit drugs and how to prevent them. The conference included a documentary showcasing the achievements of the goals of the National Anti-drug and Psychotropic Substances plans that were launched by the Interior Minister and Head of the National Anti-drug Committee on 25 June 2015. After that, the recommendations of the conference were announced, including focusing on risks of narcotics and psychotropic substances on societies, families and individuals and the continuation to motivate partners to carry their drug-combating roles. The event also recommended benefiting from the unique role of the family to ensuring the best upbringing of the youth. The conference called to continue encouraging the private sector to take up its national duty in tackling the issue. At the end of the event, the Interior Minister honoured the Supreme Committee of the conference, sponsors, speakers, heads of sessions, the participating teams and distinguished employees of the Anti-narcotics Directorate. He hailed the efforts made to ensure success of the conference. He wished the best to all in serving the nation.