DRUGS TRAFFICKERS FACE NEW CLAMP

A "zero tolerance" warning has gone out to drugs traffickers trying to
ply their trade through Bahrain. Police have stepped up vigilance at
all the country's ports and traffickers face tough penalties, said
Interior Minister Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa.

He blamed traffickers and addicts for rising crime and a drain on
resources which could be spent creating better lives for decent people.

"The spread of drugs is one of the most dangerous phenomena facing
humanity, given their destructive effects on societies and
individuals," said Shaikh Rashid.

Bahrain is committed to its part in the global war on drugs, he said
as the country marked the United Nations' International Day Against
Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

Shaikh Rashid stressed the heavy damage caused by this global problem
to human resources, especially when it affected the young, who form
the most effective and productive segment of society.

"Addiction entails a drastic energy and material loss and the
emergence of unwanted behaviour that triggers higher rates of
delinquency and crime committed by helpless addicts, who will do
anything to please their wanton desires," said Shaikh Rashid, who
chairs the national ant-drugs committee.

Bahrain has introduced tough laws to deter traffickers and is party to
several international measures and agreements to combat the menace, he
said.

An annual exhibition marking the anti-drugs day was held at Seef
Mall's new extension at Gate Eight yesterday.

The event, which began at 5.30pm, was held under the patronage of
Capital Governor Shaikh Humood bin Abdulla Al Khalifa and organised in
co-ordination with the Interior Ministry.