The Syrian Minister of Interior and Chairman of the National Commission for Narcotics Affairs, Mohammad al-Rahmoun, stated that "the phenomenon of drug abuse and trafficking is one of the most serious issues facing communities worldwide, amid numerous causes and factors that lead to the spread of drug-related crimes, which have taken on the characteristics of organized crime as well as a cross-border international nature." In a speech during the seminar held by the Ministry of Interior on the occasion of International Day Against Drug Abuse, al-Rahmoun added that "Syria joins the international community on International Day Against Drug Abuse to affirm its effective commitment to confronting this dangerous and destructive epidemic."
The Minister considered that "Syria is a transit country for narcotic substances and that terrorist groups, especially those in border areas, have exploited this situation due to the war that has been waged and continues against our country," noting that "the Ministry of Interior is facing this epidemic with determination and resolve, resulting in significant efforts to combat drug dealers and traffickers, successfully seizing large quantities, transit and concealed in complex technical ways."
