Pubdate: Thu, 01 Dec 2005
Source: Gulf Daily News (Bahrain)
Copyright: 2005 Gulf Daily News.
Contact:  http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2979
Author: Mohammed AL A'Ali
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

POLICE HAMPERED IN DRUGS BATTLE..!

POLICE are powerless to stop some drugs already outlawed in the West
from entering Bahrain because they are still not listed here as
illegal, according to a senior officer yesterday. One of the most
common is Shabu - a methamphetamine that originates in the Philippines
- - said General Directorate of Criminal Investigation director-general
Brigadier Farooq Al Mawada.

He revealed that police are powerless to stop the drug, also referred
to as "crystal meth" or "ice", from being brought into Bahrain because
it is technically legal.

"This means that whenever they (drugs) are brought into the country,
no-one can stop it and those bringing them in can't be punished by
law," said Brig Al Mawada.

"Among them is the widely used drug Shabu, which is coming to the
country without us being able to stop it because possession is not
prohibited by law - although it is in other countries."

Brig Al Mawada said the reason the drug was still legal was because it
had not been registered with the Health Ministry as an illegal
substance, although it is in the US.

He added that other people stay above the law by sniffing glue,
correction fluid and benzene - which is a component of gasoline, an
industrial solvent and is used in the production of drugs, plastics,
gasoline, synthetic rubber and dyes.

"Some plants at homes are also drugs, but people plant them and we
can't do anything," he said.

However, he added that steps are being taken to clamp down on the
smuggling of illegal drugs into Bahrain.

"Smugglers are smart, but our boys are smart too," he said. "They are
trying their best to ensure that no drugs are smuggled into the country.

"They are being trained in the latest technologies and discovery
methods and every year we meet them to give them a general idea about
developments in the field.

Brig Al Mawada said most drug smugglers coming to Bahrain swallow them
in plastic bags, which makes it more difficult to detect.

"We take every precautionary measure possible, but smuggling methods
have developed and have become harder to spot," he said.

"The most common way of smuggling is through swallowing drugs in
plastic bags.

"We can't determine if a passenger at the Bahrain International
Airport or the King Fahad Causeway has drugs inside him or her unless
we suspect them and take them for an X-ray at the hospital."

Brig Al Mawada, who was speaking at the end of a GCC Drug Combat
Annual Workshop at the Officers' Club, in Gudaibiya, said other
smugglers hide drugs in their shoes.

He added that hashish was the most popular drug in Bahrain, while the
second most popular was cocaine.

Thirty-three senior and junior officers were honoured at yesterday's
event, 13 from Bahrain.

The meeting is held annually to help educate GCC officers about
advancements in combating drugs.

"The event also helps us exchange knowledge and gain from others'
experiences," said Brig Al Mawada.

"We face the same problems in the GCC and this why joint efforts are
needed to ensure this thing is curbed." 
- ---