DRUG-BUSTING AT GRASSROOTS LEVEL

Citing that the drugs situation in Brunei Darussalam was a great
menace to the country, Deputy Director of Narcotics Control Bureau
(NCB) Haji Abdul Aziz bin OKMB Hj Othman launched the 'Commitment to
Life - Growing Up Drugs Free' exhibition in Seria at the Oil and Gas
Discovery centre yesterday.

The exhibition was part of a project in partnership between NCB and
Adinin Group of Companies (AGC) to ensure that all employees are free
from drugs and alcohol abuse.

The programme will require continuous support, commitment and funds,
but the loss of a skilled and qualified employee to the evil of drug
abuse cannot measure up.

Haji Abdul Aziz in launching the exhibition observed that a drug
abuser may not necessarily be unemployed, uneducated, poor or a lost
soul; the compulsion could extend to a parent, child, an educated
person or even a qualified working individual.

Therefore he said the workplace programme is believed to be a measure
taken to prevent our colleagues at work from the threat of drug
abuse; to familiarise the employees of its dangers and to establish a
drugs free working community and environment.

He cited that disseminating anti-drug message need to be executed
effectively to reach all spectrum of community, NCB alone would not
be able to achieve it. "We need partnership especially with private
sectors to help us promote anti-drug awareness message and campaign."

The initiatives taken by AGC is a good example of what NCB is
targeting, which is also part of its strategic plan to strengthen
public awareness and participation in anti-drug programmes to
diminish the demand for drug abuse.

The exhibition is NCB's first partnership with a private company
towards taking a step to combat the menace of drugs abuse by
promoting a safer workplace.

The Deputy Director expressed hope that this very first drug-free
workplace programme will pave ways for many other private and public
organisations to take similar initiatives.

Meanwhile AGC Chairman Haji Adinin bin Pehin Dato Haji Ibrahim
emphasised on its zero-tolerance to drugs, alcohol and substance
abuse and to support that, the company has implemented policies to
ensure that this abuse is strictly prohibited.

He noted that the core of the policy is drug testing and any sort of
abuse is deemed as a serious offence which could lead to immediate
dismissal. The policy he added is an effective prevention tool which
allows us to attract high calibre employees and serve as a deterrent to others.

As alcohol, drug and substance abuse constitutes a serious workplace
safety hazard which could lead to accidents, injuries and death, the
company will take the extra mile in formulating plans to educate
employees and public on the role that everyone can take to
proactively educate the younger generation, he added.

Stressing that the greatest benefit from a drugs free workplace is
not financial, the Deputy Director said whatever the nature of one's
business; drugs, alcohol and substance abuse cost time, effort,
people and profits.

The highlight of the event was the AGC policy handover marking the
work place programme induction by the guest of honour followed by a
stage performance by AGC staff to illustrate response and action
taken by the company in the event that an employee is suspected of drug abuse.

Guests were also taken aback with a whipping demonstration by the
Prison's Department to portray punishments of various drug abuses.

With the launch of workplace programme, both organisations will join
hands and pledge their commitment to grow up 'drugs-free'. The
collaboration will also witness the enforcement of random urine
testing and organise joint talks, family days and other activities
which lead to a healthy lifestyle of their employees and respective families.

The exhibition takes place at the OGDC gallery from 9 am to 4 pm
starting yesterday and today. It involved participation from the NCB,
AGC, Prisons department, Sekolah Menengah PAP Hajah Rashidah
Sa'adatul Bolkiah Lumut and Belait Health Department.