OMAN STEPS UP FIGHT AGAINST DRUG ABUSE

MUSCAT -- Oman is pushing for tougher measures to combat drug abuse
and illicit drug trafficking, if any, sources revealed here yesterday.
Today (June 26), the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit
Drug Trafficking, Oman will join the world in highlighting the
socio-economic challenges posed by drug abuse and illicit drug
trafficking.

As part of a campaign to create awareness among the public and combat
drug abuse and drug trafficking, if any, Lieutenant-General Malik bin
Suleiman Al Ma'amari, inspector-general of police and customs,
inaugurated a mobile exhibition here yesterday at the ROP
headquarters.

The exhibition, which was organised by the Drug Eradication Department
at the Directorate-General of Inquiries and Criminal Investigations
displayed samples of drugs and photos illustrating the hazards of drugs.

The exhibition, ROP said, will continue for two months in different
governorates and regions.

Recently, Oman's National Commission on Narcotics and Psychotropics
(NCNP) had organised a national symposium at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on
the risks of drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking.

Ahmed Rashid Mohammed Al Ma'amari, undersecretary of the Ministry of
Social Development, inaugurated the symposium.

The objective of the symposium was to protect the society from drug
abuses and promote psychosocial support for addicts and their families.

The Ministry of Health, ROP, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Social
Development, Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs, Ministry of
Justice and Sultan Qaboos University participated and supported the
symposium.

Further, a seminar on drug abuse had extensively discussed various
aspects of medical, social, legal and occupational aspect of addict
life. Another exhibition displayed pamphlets, pictures and real
samples of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances as well as
handicraft designed by some addicted patients in Ibn Sina Hospital.

Oman has established an electronic network in collaboration with the
United Nations Office for Drug Control and Crime. The government
enacted the Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Control Act on March
6, 1999. The law regulates the import, export and transfer of narcotic
drugs and psychotropic substances. There is a national record to
document cases of addiction to narcotic drugs and psychotropic
substances. The number of cases recorded since 1982 and until the end
of 2005 stood at 1,007. The national record is always activated
through regular meetings with the heads of departments of mental
health in the regions.