On the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse, Lieutenant General Sheikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior and Chairman of the National Anti-Drug Committee, met with the head of the Public Security and the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior, Major General Abdulaziz Mayouf Al-Rumaihi, along with several officers from the General Department of Criminal Investigation and Forensic Evidence.
At the beginning of the meeting, the Minister of Interior expressed his gratitude to the General Department of Criminal Investigation and Forensic Evidence, particularly to the Narcotics Control Administration, for their dedicated efforts and commitment to enhancing performance and fulfilling their security responsibilities. He also appreciated all cooperating entities and individuals involved in the national efforts to combat drugs, which is considered a community responsibility.
He noted that from the beginning of 2023 until mid-year, 2,285 cases related to drug control had been seized, emphasizing the importance of security readiness and the use of modern technologies such as artificial intelligence. He highlighted the need to enhance constructive community partnerships.
The Minister underscored the positive results achieved through the "Recovery" program and the community service police's initiatives against violence and addiction, called "Together." He pointed out that mere lectures are insufficient; innovative awareness efforts are required, utilizing modern means and appropriate forms to effectively convey educational messages, thereby achieving the required impact and effectiveness. He emphasized the importance of offering early advice within a comprehensive framework of security awareness, which forms a fundamental basis for prevention.
The Minister of Interior asserted the need to continue combating drugs in schools, youth centers, sports clubs, and cyberspace, relying on knowledge, conviction, parental responsibility, and national duty to create a safe environment conducive to a dignified life.
For his part, the Director-General of the General Department of Criminal Investigation and Forensic Evidence expressed profound appreciation to the Minister of Interior for his unwavering support for the work of the Narcotics Control Administration, enabling it to fully perform its role within national efforts to protect society and safeguard the youth from the dangers of this plague. He praised the ongoing oversight of Major General Tariq bin Hassan Al-Hassan, head of public security, over all security performance details.
The Director-General commended the societal awareness that has become entrenched among various segments of society regarding the dangers of drugs, in line with the Minister of Interior's directives to enhance the principle of community partnership in drug combat. In this context, the Minister of Interior honored several members of the Narcotics Control Administration, praising their role and sincere efforts and wishing everyone success in serving the nation.
