SCHOOL BECOMES DRUG-FREE ZONE

Menglait Secondary School signalling its drug-free zone. Menglait
Secondary School recently posted a "Drug-Free Zone" sign near its
main gate to emphasise its support to the anti-narcotics campaign
held nationwide.

With the sign, the school hopes to send a clear signal to potential
drug traffickers to keep away from the school compound as its
students will not be influenced or be used to traffic drugs.

Some drug traffickers targeted schools, parks, playgrounds, public
housing developments, specific neighbourhoods or town blocks to push
drugs.

Meanwhile, the residents of Kg Menglait have applauded the move
towards a drug-free zone.

"Many communities have experienced a variety of problems associated
with drugs, alcohol, deteriorating neighbourhoods, vandalism of
public facilities, speeding cars, violence and gang activity.

"The entire community must join forces to clean up the neighbourhood
to create a better, safer and healthier place for everyone to live
in. Because law enforcement can't do it alone," they said.

They even suggested possible strategies towards community of
excellence such as working together with law enforcement by starting
up a community policing programme, putting up "Drug-Free Zone" signs,
hold neighbourhood campaign, request for police to conduct raids and
arrest drug dealers.

However, they said towards an effective drugs-free zone, cooperation
and partnership between law enforcement and community is needed.

They also urged for other schools in the Sultanate to follow suit in
introducing their own drugs-free zones to promote awareness on the
dangers of drug abuse.