Oman has joined global efforts to combat drugs, by celebrating the World Day Against Drugs and Psychotropic Substances.

As part of the drive, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) has organised a campaign under the tagline, “Drugs are the beginning of the worst end.” 

Colonel Abdul Rahim Al Farsi, director-general of the Department for Combating Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, explained the tagline: “It aims to convey the message that the illicit treatment of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is the beginning of entering a dark tunnel full of security, legal, health, social and economic risks, which undoubtedly leads to loss and tragedy for the society as a whole,” he said.

In 2016, ROP managed to uncover 2,538 drug-related crimes, and the total number of arrested people reached 3,590.

According to the Director-General, 2017 has seen a decrease in the number of drug-related crimes, though smuggling offenses increased by 14 per cent. “This is due to the measures adopted to reduce smuggling cases, whether by stricter legal measures, such as increasing the penalty to an offense, or the use of better detection equipment,” Al Farsi said.

Meanwhile, there has been an 8 per cent decrease in drug trading crimes, and cases of drug abuse also declined by about 51 per cent.

The General Directorate for Combating Drugs and Psychotropic Substances has integrated awareness programmes, related to drugs.

“We believe in the role that awareness plays in the prevention of drugs. The programmes are implemented by qualified staff, who provide many awareness lectures, exhibitions and participation in various activities in the Sultanate,” Al Farsi added.

Source: Timesofoman