Pubdate: Mon, 26 Jun 2006 Source: Times Of Oman (Sultanate of Oman) Copyright: 2006 Times Of Oman Contact: http://www.timesofoman.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3649 Author: Our Special Correspondent OMAN STEPS UP FIGHT AGAINST DRUG ABUSE MUSCAT -- Oman is pushing for tougher measures to combat drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking, if any, sources revealed here yesterday. Today (June 26), the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking, Oman will join the world in highlighting the socio-economic challenges posed by drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking. As part of a campaign to create awareness among the public and combat drug abuse and drug trafficking, if any, Lieutenant-General Malik bin Suleiman Al Ma'amari, inspector-general of police and customs, inaugurated a mobile exhibition here yesterday at the ROP headquarters. The exhibition, which was organised by the Drug Eradication Department at the Directorate-General of Inquiries and Criminal Investigations displayed samples of drugs and photos illustrating the hazards of drugs. The exhibition, ROP said, will continue for two months in different governorates and regions. Recently, Oman's National Commission on Narcotics and Psychotropics (NCNP) had organised a national symposium at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on the risks of drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking. Ahmed Rashid Mohammed Al Ma'amari, undersecretary of the Ministry of Social Development, inaugurated the symposium. The objective of the symposium was to protect the society from drug abuses and promote psychosocial support for addicts and their families. The Ministry of Health, ROP, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Social Development, Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs, Ministry of Justice and Sultan Qaboos University participated and supported the symposium. Further, a seminar on drug abuse had extensively discussed various aspects of medical, social, legal and occupational aspect of addict life. Another exhibition displayed pamphlets, pictures and real samples of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances as well as handicraft designed by some addicted patients in Ibn Sina Hospital. Oman has established an electronic network in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Drug Control and Crime. The government enacted the Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Control Act on March 6, 1999. The law regulates the import, export and transfer of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. There is a national record to document cases of addiction to narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. The number of cases recorded since 1982 and until the end of 2005 stood at 1,007. The national record is always activated through regular meetings with the heads of departments of mental health in the regions. - --- MAP posted-by: Steve Heath