Riyadh, Dec 19 (Arab News): Crown Prince Mohammed bin Naif, deputy premier and minister of interior, who is also the president of the National Narcotics Control Commission, reaffirmed the keenness of the government to combat everything that could cause harm to the citizenry and residents, including drugs.
He was speaking Sunday at a meeting of the National Commission for Drug Control.
He described drugs as an ugly phenomenon affecting a person's dignity, mind and soul. “It must be fought with all our strength.”
He said the response to the drug phenomenon is a shared responsibility that rests on the shoulders of all individuals and institutions of the government and the private sector.
The crown prince praised efforts made by police and customs officers in arresting smugglers and drug dealers, noting the role played by educational, social, health and media organisations in educating society on the harmful effects of drugs. He called on everyone to join forces in fighting this menace.
He also appreciated the role of the national project for the prevention of narcotics (Nibras) and expressed thanks to the Saudi Basic Industries Corp. (SABIC) for its support for the Nibras project.
At the outset of the meeting, the crown prince was briefed on the second report on narcotics haul in the Kingdom, which revealed that security authorities managed to uncover 188,762 narcotics-related issues in a five-year period (1433-1437) with the arrest of 245,103 suspects. The authorities seized some 367,870,293 Captagon pills and over 198 tons of hashish during the same period.
The crown prince was later briefed on the recommendations of the preparatory committee, which included programs, plans and mechanisms on security, prevention, research and treatment aspects in dealing with drugs.
Later, the crown prince launched three e-programs: Nibras Academy for E-Training, Nibras Sports Stars and Nibras Application.
The crown prince also witnessed the signing ceremony of two agreements between the Ministry of Health, the National Narcotics Control Commission and a group of businessmen on the establishment of clinics for treatment of drug addicts in Riyadh and Taif.
He directed all security, customs authorities and other concerned parties to redouble their efforts to combat drugs in the Kingdom.