Oman marks International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

Times of Oman

4 days ago

Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman is joining nations worldwide in observing the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on 26 June, held this year under the theme 'Breaking the Chains: Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery for All."
The occasion aims to intensify awareness campaigns about the dangers of narcotics and psychotropic substances, emphasise addicts' right to rehabilitation, strengthen community cooperation, and enhance international collaboration in combating drug abuse. It also serves as an opportunity for nations to review anti-drug policies, assess challenges, and develop appropriate solutions.
Colonel Said Salim Al Maawali, Assistant Director General of Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Control at the Royal Oman Police (ROP), stated that drugs and psychotropic substances represent one of the most dangerous challenges facing modern societies due to their devastating consequences.
He noted that the drug trade is a major funding source for transnational criminal organisations. Global indicators show over 275 million drug addicts worldwide, with the World Health Organization estimating more than 500,000 annual deaths linked to drug abuse—necessitating unified policies, shared expertise, and heightened cultural and educational awareness.
Colonel Al Maawali emphasised that international cooperation is vital in combating drug smuggling and trafficking, as criminal networks employ sophisticated cross-border methods. Information exchange, joint policing operations, harmonised legislation, and expertise sharing are crucial to dismantling these networks.
The ROP's General Directorate for Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Control has adopted an integrated approach—supported by police, security, military, and civil entities—to counter drug trafficking. Efforts have successfully uncovered international syndicates smuggling narcotics through land, sea, and air borders, as well as via social media platforms used to lure youth into drug use.
He explained that the departments concerned in Oman provide rehabilitation opportunities for addicts under Article 51 of the Anti-Narcotics Law, which exempts self-referred or family-reported addicts from prosecution. Post-treatment reintegration programs ensure confidentiality under Article 52, with penalties for breaches.
Currently, said Al Maawali, crystal meth poses a significant global threat due to its low cost, ease of production, and severe health impacts, including fatal outcomes. Traffickers exploit victims—particularly youth—through financial incentives, blackmail, fake friendships, emotional manipulation, and even virtual reality platforms and celebrity endorsements promoting false cultural narratives about drug use.
The Directorate prioritizes prevention through social media campaigns, conferences, and seminars. Innovative tools like virtual reality (VR) and smart applications are being introduced to enhance public education and counseling services, he pointed out.