The Sultanate of Oman is observing the World Drug Day with an exhibition held at Muscat Grand Mall with various government and NGOs participating to spread awareness on how to avoid drugs, means used by drug dealers to smuggle products that are then pushed by drug peddlers into the communities.
The event is organised by the National Committee for Narcotics and psychotropic substances in collaboration with the Royal Oman Police’s Department to Combat Drugs.
The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking or World Drug Day is marked on June 26 every year to strengthen action and cooperation in achieving a world free from drug abuse.
The Sultanate of Oman is observing this event on June 27 and June 28 from 10 am to 1 pm and 4 pm to 9 pm at Muscat Grand Mall.
Dr Ameera Raidan, Drug Awareness and Training Supervisor at the National Committee for Narcotics and Psychotropic substances, said, “We are focusing on families, addicts and recovered addicts to say it is not too late. There are facilities available that can provide free treatment and rehabilitation.”
She said the idea is to attract and reach out to families and individuals at student level.
“We want to inform the teenagers and the youth the importance of prevention from drugs. We have good relations between governmental and non governmental organisations. We also want the private sector to work with us on this cause,” she added.
The Royal Oman Police has a display presenting the types of drugs that can be found on the street or even in the house, so that family members can detect when they see them because they are aware.
So they can say ‘no’ and reject the psychotropic products when they are offered to try.
“This is because these substances are harmful to the body.
The exhibition also has corners for the Ministry of Social Development, Ministry of Education and other NGOs.
First Lt Said bin Salem al Mahrezi from the Directorate of Relations and Security Information, Royal Oman Police said, “The issue of drugs is not confined to one place, it is everywhere in the region and the whole world. Here the Directorate of Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances of the Royal Oman Police implements strategies and initiatives to curb the spread of drugs and also stop the severe consequences that follow the use of these psychotropic substances.
For the year 2022 the theme is, ‘Together for a safer community free from drugs.’
“In relation to the theme we have been hosting lectures, exhibitions and seminars” he added.
The Royal Oman Police has the mobile exhibition that periodically goes to schools as well as colleges in different governorates showcasing the drugs and the harm it causes.
“Our message to the community is whenever there is a drug addict remember it is not too late. There is a chance to get treated and stop the drug addiction,” said First Lt Al Mahrezi.
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