Ministry of Interior
Doha: The Public Relations Department of the Ministry of Interior (MoI) in association with the General Directorate of Drug Enforcement recently organised a webinar entitled ‘Drugs and the Methods of Prevention’.
First Lieutenant Abdullah Qassim, Media and Awareness Officer, shed light on raising awareness among community members about the harms and dangers of drugs.
The official said, “It is duty of Drug Enforcement Directorate to conduct and coordinate investigations and intensify its efforts all around the country to monitor the dangerous criminals of drug smugglers, traffickers, suppliers and promoters thereof. Also, to combat and control cross-border smuggling crimes through air, sea, and land ports in coordination with competent authorities.”
He also explained the procedures and restrictions for carrying medicines in Qatar, “It is not allowed to the arriving or departing sick travellers to carry drugs containing narcotics or psychotropic substances except in accordance with the controls and conditions issued by the related authorities.”
Speaking about the risk of carrying others items, First Lieutenant Abdullah Qassim noted that it is very important to make sure while carrying the belongings of others that they do not contain narcotic substances and medicinal drugs.
He advised that the failure to verify the content of luggage could expose to legal liability.
Qassim also warned about the risk of hiding crime, drug abuse, drug trafficking and psychotropic substances penalty. Regarding the misuse of medical drugs, the official pointed out that it has grave risks and serious consequences that affect the safety of the patients psychologically, mentally and physically. He advised that the misuse of medical drugs leads to habituation, then to compulsive use which develops an addiction.
Qatar has provided a specialised centre for addiction treatment and rehabilitation in line with the best international standards in this field. He explained about the addiction treatment in Qatar and said the Qatari legislator has a humanitarian approach to caring for addicted patients, treating them from this epidemic, and reassuring them.
Sharing some tips about dangers of drugs, the official urged the public not to carry any material of others without making sure of their content because that bears full legal responsibility if these materials are prohibited in the country. He further said to stay away from suspicious places and bad companions and to report any crime as security is a shared responsibility that everyone bears.
General Directorate of Drug Enforcement Department is the main executive and specialised body responsible to control and combat various drug crimes committed in violation of Law No. 9 of 1987 and its amendments on combating drugs. The department adopts an integrated and comprehensive strategy to reduce the illegal supply and demand of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
A total of 233 people attended the webinar which included officials and representatives from companies and community organisations.
