Interior Ministry Launches Awareness Exhibition On Dangers Of Drugs

(MENAFN- The Peninsula) QNA

Doha, Qatar: Under the patronage of Minister of Interior and Commander of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya) HE sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the awareness exhibition organised by the Ministry of Interior was inaugurated Wednesday at the Place Vendome mall. The four-day event is part of the celebrations for the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, under the theme "The Evidence is Clear: Let's Invest in Prevention."

The exhibition, opened by Director of the Forensic Laboratory, Brig. Ibrahim Abdullah Al Binali features participation from the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, the General Authority of Customs, and the Behavioral Healthcare Center. The event aims to disseminate educational messages and distribute informational pamphlets and brochures related to drug prevention and awareness to deepen public understanding of the issue and mitigate its impacts on individuals, families, and society.

Director-General of Drug Enforcement at the Ministry of Interior, Col. Rashid Sareea Al Kaabi, emphasised that drug addiction is a global phenomenon with severe repercussions on health, mental well-being, social stability, and the economy. He pointed out that drug-related issues have worsened in recent years due to technological advancements and increased connectivity, making drug crimes transnational and organised.

He underlined that Qatar is a leading nation in combating drug abuse, employing comprehensive strategies that include prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation, alongside community awareness campaigns targeting all societal segments, especially the youth.

He pointed out that Qatar actively contributes to global anti-drug policies, sharing its successful experiences and learning from others through international conferences and seminars, in addition to enhancing cooperation with relevant international and regional organisations.

Colonel Al Kaabi reiterated that Qatar's drug control authorities are continually improving training programs for national personnel in various fields related to drug enforcement, ensuring their readiness to handle all forms of drug-related crimes. He urged the community, particularly the youth, to avoid suspicious places while traveling, refrain from carrying unknown individuals' luggage without verifying its contents, and not to bring any psychoactive medication from abroad without an approved prescription. He highlighted the role of every community member in combating drug abuse through collaboration with the relevant authorities.

Director of International Affairs and Studies at the General Directorate of Drug Control, Lt. Col. Mohamed Abdullah Al Khater, stated that Qatar's participation in the International Day against Drug Abuse reaffirms its commitment to addressing this critical issue and supporting ongoing efforts to combat it. The occasion also serves to reflect on the national achievements in ensuring a secure and sustainable future for subsequent generations.

He added that Qatar diligently addresses drug-related challenges by adhering to the principles and provisions of international drug control agreements and actively participating in Gulf, Arab, regional, and international conferences and meetings on the subject. The state adopts a comprehensive drug control strategy encompassing enforcement, prevention, and treatment, aiming to establish a drug-free society.

He explained that this strategy underscores Qatar's belief in the importance of international cooperation to address this issue, forming a balanced and integrated approach in line with agreements on controlling dangerous drugs and psychotropic substances.

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