He made the remarks while launching the longest ever anti-drug awareness program, organized by Jeddah’s Drug Combating Department in Jeddah.

The yearlong comprehensive program features several programs and activities aimed at educating the younger generation about the evils of drug abuse. The program is being implemented with the participation of all sections of people, organizations and institutions, including schools, universities, ministries, societies and specialized agencies in the region.

Prince Mishaal underscored the need for exerting collective efforts to combat drug abuse.

“All members of the society have been invited to take part in this program to protect our young men and women from becoming victims of drug abuse, which is destructive to the future of the country. We can’t say that there are neither any victims of drug abuse nor drug dealers in the society,” he said adding that it is the national duty of every citizen to shoulder the collective responsibility to tackle drugs and protect families, society and the country.

Prince Mishaal lauded the efforts of the Drug Combating Department under the Ministry of Interior to combat drug abuse and eradicate it from Saudi society through carrying out extensive programs aimed at raising awareness of the damage caused by drugs to members of society financially, mentally, and socially as well as to their health in addition to the impact on their families, society and the nation as a whole.

The governor also highlighted the significance of parents in bringing their children up in the best possible manner by inculcating in them moral values with a special focus on evils of drug abuse. “The government spares no efforts in safeguarding the younger generation from drug abuse. We provide drug addicts with proper treatment and rehabilitation at the specialized hospitals and rehabilitation centers in a highly confidential manner,” he added.

Speaking on the occasion, Brig. Gen. Ahmad Al-Zahrani, head of the department, cited that there are five main goals for the program. These included making the younger generation aware about social values, highlighting the evils of drug abuse from a religious point of view and the duty of citizens, creating awareness with a focus on the social, cultural, and health values, in addition to rectifying the wrong notions among some members of the society with regard to taking certain kinds of drugs.

Al-Zahrani said painting and drawing competitions on the evils of drug abuse would be organized for the intermediate and secondary school students as part of the program. The best 100 pieces of drawings will be showcased at an exhibition to be held at one of the major commercial centers in the city. “Five training courses for those conducting activities of the program will also be organized,” he added.