File photo used for representation only.
The Ministry of Interior, represented by the General Directorate of Drugs Enforcement, confirmed that there is strict control over postal consignments and electronic commerce to prevent and combat narcotics smuggling.
This came yesterday in a webinar on “Drugs and Prevention Methods” organised by the Department on the occasion of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2021, which falls on June 26 every year.
More than 300 people from different nationalities attended the event.
Speaking at the virtual event, First Lieutenant Abdullah Qasim from the General Directorate of Drugs Enforcement stressed on Article 37 of the Law No. 9 of 1987 on Control and Regulation of Control and Regulation of Narcotic Drugs and Dangerous Psychotropic Substances (NDDPS), which states: “Whoever imports, possesses, acquires, purchases, receives, transports, produces, extracts, separates or manufactures NDDPS, or who cultivates, possesses or purchases one of the plants listed in Schedule 4, with the intention of illicit consumption or personal use, unless he proves to be permitted to do so pursuant to the provisions of this law, shall be punished by imprisonment for a period not exceeding three years and not less than six months and a fine of not more than QR20,000 and not less than QR10,000 unless it can be established that he was authorised to do so in accordance with the provisions of this law.”
He cautioned that for all medications that a person carries and contain psychotropic substances, the person must bring the medical prescription, the date of use, the period, and the reasons. This applies only to this type of medication, unlike regular medicines.
Lieutenant Qasim stressed the need not to carry any narcotics or substances suspected of being prohibited. He added that some of these drugs are allowed entry in some countries while others restrict them.
He also advised people to verify their baggage contents when travelling and to stay away from suspicious places and persons and the necessity of reporting any suspicious case. He stressed that the General Directorate of Drugs Enforcement deals with confidentiality in all information that reaches it.
Speaking in this regard, the Director of Public Security Staff, Major General Saad bin Jassim Al Khulaifi has emphasized that Qatar adopted a comprehensive and integrated approach in combating drugs and illicit trafficking following local and international legislation and laws.
