RIYADH, 26 June — Prince Sultan ibn Fahd, head of the General Presidency of Youth Welfare and the National Committee for Combating Drugs, yesterday called on individuals, private organizations and government agencies to intensify efforts to combat the drug menace.
Speaking on the occasion of the international day for combating narcotic abuse being observed today, the prince warned residents in the Kingdom against use of drugs and addiction to intoxicating substances. “The Kingdom would join the international community to observe this occasion with a renewed commitment to fight this evil. Several awareness programs including lectures will also be held focusing on this year’s theme —Misuse of drugs and its negative impact on mental health,” said Prince Sultan.
He said the Kingdom had intensified its efforts to combat drug trafficking and abuse of drugs. Saudi Arabia has already concluded a series of agreements with other countries for combating drugs.
Referring to the harmful effects of drugs, Prince Sultan said, “The misuse of drugs had become one of the biggest problems in many countries adding that it has created a problem for the youth in these countries.” He, at the same time, warned the citizens and the expatriates of the Kingdom of the dangers of the abuse of drugs and the drug trafficking.
On awareness campaigns about the harmful effects of drugs, Prince Nawaf ibn Faisal ibn Fahd, GPYW vice president, said the Kingdom had exerted great efforts in this regard. He urged the Saudis and the expatriates to cooperate with security agencies in nabbing drug peddlers.
Dr. Maneh Al-Johani, secretary-general of the World Assembly of Muslim Youth, said, “The drug producers and traffickers were targeting the youth.... They have set up a network in the Gulf countries and use all kinds of tricks to achieve their goal of making easy money.”
Dr. Johani said the campaign against drug abuse called for a comprehensive strategy “on all fronts — at homes, at schools, at mosques, at public places and through the media.”
“Central to this strategy is the role of parents in strengthening the moral foundation of their children,” said Dr. Johani.
Referring to the efforts of late Prince Faisal ibn Fahd, he said it was Prince Faisal who popularized the slogan “Say No To Drugs”. Prince Faisal encouraged teachers to hold seminars on drug abuse.
