Call for Awareness as drug abuse hits a high
The Public Prosecution disclosed that 6,741 drug cases were recorded in the Sultanate of Oman between 2023 and 2024, warning of an increase in drug abuse among various society segments including women.
The Public Prosecution called for increased awareness and family monitoring to protect children from falling into drug addiction.
Dr Rashid al Kaabi, the official spokesperson for the Public Prosecution, said that international criminal networks use social media to lure young people, turn them into addicts and then exploit them in drug trafficking or committing crimes. He explained that drugs are smuggled into the country via land, sea and air, noting that the Sultanate of Oman's strategic location makes it a potential transit point for drugs.
The most common types of drugs are: hashish, shabu, heroin and painkillers, he said, pointing to the devastating health, social and economic impacts of drugs including psychological and physical illnesses, family disintegration, theft and violence as well as the economic loss. He called for a greater role for the family, educational, religious and media institutions.
He added that the Sultanate of Oman is applying the national strategy (2023–2028) for combating drugs and is intensifying prevention, treatment and rehabilitation efforts. He praised the role of the Royal Oman Police, the Ministry of Health, the Public Prosecution, the Ministry of Education, and other relevant authorities in combating the drug phenomenon.
The Public Prosecution spokesman stressed the importance of monitoring children, adding that families should not hesitate to seek treatment when necessary as addiction is not just a deviation but a disease that requires early and comprehensive intervention.
The Sultanate of Oman had taken a series of important legislative and regulatory steps, the first of which was passing the Law on Combating Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances pursuant to Royal Decree No 99/17.
In addition, the National Strategy for Combating Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances (2023-2028) was laid out, outlining the policies, programmes and regulatory activities necessary to address contemporary challenges in this field, the Public Prosecution spokesman said.
The Royal Oman Police (ROP), through the Directorate-General for Combating Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances, continues making significant efforts to implement the necessary security measures to prevent drug smuggling across land, sea and air. The ROP has significant capabilities to confront cross-border smuggling networks.
In the same context, the Public Prosecution is responsible for handling drug and addiction cases through the Drug Cases Department, he said, adding that the number of drug cases reported in 2024 saw a significant increase compared to 2023.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Times of Oman
5 hours ago
- Times of Oman
Bangladeshi expat murdered in Sur
Muscat: A Bangladeshi national residing in Oman has been found murdered. The Royal Oman Police (ROP) confirmed that the South Al Sharqiyah Governorate Police Command has arrested a suspect, also a Bangladeshi national, in connection with the murder in the Wilayat of Sur. Legal procedures are being completed against him. In another incident, the Police Command in the Southern Al Batinah Governorate arrested an Indian national in the Wilayat of Barka for possessing quantities of alcoholic beverages and transporting them in his private vehicle with the intent to traffic them. Legal procedures are being initiated against him.
Observer
3 days ago
- Observer
Refrain from driving over green plains
Salalah, July 15 The Public Prosecution has issued a firm warning to citizens and tourists, urging people to refrain from driving vehicles over the green plains and meadows of Dhofar Governorate during khareef season. The act is deemed a legal offence and is punishable under Article (4) of Local Order No (2/2016), which regulates vehicle movement and public parking in the region. Authorities say off-road driving across grasslands and mountainous green areas damages fragile vegetation and disturbs the governorate's ecological balance. In a recent public advisory, the Public Prosecution highlighted the environmental consequences of such behaviour and emphasised the need for compliance with local laws to preserve Dhofar's natural heritage. Local residents have echoed support for stronger environmental protections. Salem bin Nasser al Maashani, a citizen from Salalah, said: 'We ask visitors to respect Dhofar's environment. This greenery is a rare and temporary national treasure that must be safeguarded by everyone.' Younis bin Issa al Balushi, a visitor from Muscat, welcomed the awareness campaign. 'I wasn't aware that driving on the plains is prohibited,' he said. 'Now, with these messages, we better understand the rules and the importance of abiding by them.' Officials confirmed that Dhofar Municipality, in coordination with the Public Prosecution and environmental agencies, will intensify field inspections and awareness campaigns across media platforms throughout the season. These measures are part of Oman's broader sustainability goals under Vision 2040, which prioritises the conservation of natural ecosystems and the promotion of responsible, eco-friendly tourism.
Observer
4 days ago
- Observer
Call for Awareness as drug abuse hits a high
Muscat, July 13 The Public Prosecution disclosed that 6,741 drug cases were recorded in the Sultanate of Oman between 2023 and 2024, warning of an increase in drug abuse among various society segments including women. The Public Prosecution called for increased awareness and family monitoring to protect children from falling into drug addiction. Dr Rashid al Kaabi, the official spokesperson for the Public Prosecution, said that international criminal networks use social media to lure young people, turn them into addicts and then exploit them in drug trafficking or committing crimes. He explained that drugs are smuggled into the country via land, sea and air, noting that the Sultanate of Oman's strategic location makes it a potential transit point for drugs. The most common types of drugs are: hashish, shabu, heroin and painkillers, he said, pointing to the devastating health, social and economic impacts of drugs including psychological and physical illnesses, family disintegration, theft and violence as well as the economic loss. He called for a greater role for the family, educational, religious and media institutions. He added that the Sultanate of Oman is applying the national strategy (2023–2028) for combating drugs and is intensifying prevention, treatment and rehabilitation efforts. He praised the role of the Royal Oman Police, the Ministry of Health, the Public Prosecution, the Ministry of Education, and other relevant authorities in combating the drug phenomenon. The Public Prosecution spokesman stressed the importance of monitoring children, adding that families should not hesitate to seek treatment when necessary as addiction is not just a deviation but a disease that requires early and comprehensive intervention. The Sultanate of Oman had taken a series of important legislative and regulatory steps, the first of which was passing the Law on Combating Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances pursuant to Royal Decree No 99/17. In addition, the National Strategy for Combating Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances (2023-2028) was laid out, outlining the policies, programmes and regulatory activities necessary to address contemporary challenges in this field, the Public Prosecution spokesman said. The Royal Oman Police (ROP), through the Directorate-General for Combating Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances, continues making significant efforts to implement the necessary security measures to prevent drug smuggling across land, sea and air. The ROP has significant capabilities to confront cross-border smuggling networks. In the same context, the Public Prosecution is responsible for handling drug and addiction cases through the Drug Cases Department, he said, adding that the number of drug cases reported in 2024 saw a significant increase compared to 2023.
