Oman Observes International Day Against Drug Abuse Under Theme “Breaking the Chains”

Muscat, The Gulf Observer: The Sultanate of Oman joins the international community in commemorating the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, held this year under the theme “Breaking the Chains: Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery for All.” The occasion underscores Oman’s commitment to strengthening national and global efforts to combat narcotics and psychotropic substance abuse.

The annual observance serves as a platform to raise awareness about the grave dangers posed by drug use, reinforce the right of addicts to rehabilitation, foster community-level cooperation, and enhance international collaboration to counter the growing global drug menace. It also allows countries to evaluate existing anti-drug policies, identify challenges, and propose effective and sustainable solutions.

Colonel Said Salim Al Maawali, Assistant Director General of Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Control at the Royal Oman Police (ROP), emphasized that the spread of narcotics and psychotropic substances remains one of the most formidable challenges facing societies today due to their catastrophic effects on individuals, families, and economies.

He noted that the illegal drug trade serves as a critical funding stream for transnational criminal organizations. “Current global statistics indicate that over 275 million people are addicted to drugs,” he stated, “and the World Health Organization estimates more than 500,000 deaths annually are linked to substance abuse.” These alarming figures call for unified global strategies, shared expertise, and sustained cultural and educational campaigns to mitigate the threat.

Colonel Al Maawali stressed the importance of international cooperation in curbing the smuggling and trafficking of drugs, as criminal networks increasingly use advanced cross-border mechanisms. He underscored the need for coordinated information-sharing, joint policing operations, unified legal frameworks, and professional collaboration to effectively dismantle trafficking syndicates.

The ROP’s General Directorate for Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Control has adopted a comprehensive approach, integrating the efforts of police, security, military, and civilian institutions to combat drug-related crimes. These initiatives have led to the identification and neutralization of international smuggling networks attempting to move narcotics through land, maritime, and air routes—as well as via social media platforms targeting vulnerable youth.

He further highlighted Oman’s progressive legal provisions, particularly Article 51 of the Anti-Narcotics Law, which allows for rehabilitation without prosecution for addicts who voluntarily seek help or are reported by family members. Article 52 guarantees confidentiality in the reintegration process and prescribes penalties for breaches of privacy.

According to Colonel Al Maawali, the spread of crystal methamphetamine presents a particularly acute threat worldwide due to its low production cost, widespread availability, and devastating health consequences. Traffickers often manipulate youth using deceptive tactics such as financial lures, emotional coercion, blackmail, and even exploit virtual reality and celebrity endorsements to glamorize drug use.

In response, the Directorate is prioritizing preventive education through awareness campaigns, conferences, and seminars. Cutting-edge technologies, including virtual reality (VR) tools and smartphone applications, are being deployed to educate the public and provide confidential counseling services.

Colonel Al Maawali called upon families to play an active role in monitoring children’s behavior and urged the community to support law enforcement by reporting suspicious drug-related activities. “Together, we can safeguard our youth and work toward a society free from the scourge of drugs, ensuring lasting national security and stability,” he concluded.