The recent crackdown on drug trafficking in Muscat Governorate was part of a broader initiative to curb the rising tide of narcotics. The General Administration for Combating Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances, Royal Oman Police, apprehended three individuals of Asian nationality attempting to smuggle over 160 blocks of hashish. This event is part of a broader initiative to curb the rising tide of narcotics flowing through the region.
Just some days before, the Coast Guard Police Command intercepted another smuggling attempt, arresting three individuals of two Asian nationalities near the coast of Qurayat. The perpetrators were caught red-handed trying to transport over 29 kilogrammes of crystal meth and 47 kilogrammes of hashish. Similar operations have been carried out by the Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Control Department, resulting in the arrest of a citizen and three Asians with over 70 kilogrammes of hashish and 10 kilogrammes of crystal meth.
While law enforcement intensifies efforts to stem the flow of illegal substances, the human side of the story reveals the alarming rise in drug addiction cases.
Dr Zahra al Harmali, the founder of Shuroq al Amal al Alamia, a non-profit drug rehabilitation centre supervised by the Ministry of Health, sheds light on the growing crisis. With over a decade of experience in drug rehabilitation across Oman, Bahrain, Egypt and Tanzania, Dr Zahra highlights the escalating numbers, citing United Nations statistics that show an increase in narcotic substance and psychotropic substance users from 240 million in 2011 to 296 million in 2021.
“The first challenge consists of the diversification, development and spread of new types of drugs at a rapid speed, and the emergence of new, innovative and synthetic types of drugs that affect the brain, the functions of the mind and the cognitive aspects. Their effect appears quickly and does not require time or multiple times of use for the user to become addicted, but their results are fast, and their effects are immediate, requiring new treatment methods and solutions,” she said.
She outlines the evolving challenges in rehabilitating those battling drug addiction. She emphasises the rapid diversification, development and spread of new types of drugs, including innovative and synthetic variants that pose unique challenges to traditional treatment methods. Highlighting substances like hyoscyamine, atropine, crystal meth and DMT, she underscores the need for new approaches to address the immediate and potent effects of these drugs.
The second challenge, according to Dr Zahra, lies in the lack of awareness surrounding addiction as a mental illness. Despite advancements, societal perceptions still stigmatise addicts, hindering effective treatment. The absence of family awareness, financial support and adequate clinics further compounds the issue.
Addressing the roots of addiction, she identifies several factors, including personality traits, upbringing methods, family influences, coping mechanisms and psychological crises. She emphasises that the transition from experimental use to compulsive abuse often stems from a need for courage, trauma, or distorted beliefs.
But amid the challenges, Dr Zahra emphasises the effectiveness of rehabilitation treatments and cognitive-behavioural therapy methods post-detoxification. Therapeutic techniques such as behaviour modification, developing self-awareness, motivation for clean living, religious faith, and practices like yoga and meditation are integral to the recovery process.
Rehabilitation extends beyond clinical recovery to social reintegration. Dr Zahra points to success stories, showcasing the potential for individuals to reclaim their lives after addiction.
As Oman battles the dual challenge of drug trafficking and addiction, spreading awareness becomes paramount. Dr Zahra stresses the importance of understanding addiction as a mental illness, dispelling societal stigma, and providing robust support systems. The recovery period, she notes, varies but ranges from six months to a year, contingent on various factors, including substance type, duration of use and psychological effects.
In the face of these pressing issues, Oman remains committed to both law enforcement measures and comprehensive rehabilitation strategies to address the multifaceted challenges posed by drug trafficking and addiction.
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