The workshop comes on the heels of a study conducted by Dr. Ashraf Shilby of the National Center for Youth Research at King Saud University. The study says that the number of drug-related crimes has risen in key cities. The study, first reported by Al-Madinah daily, found out that the number of drug-related cases in Makkah province had steadily risen by around 1,000 each year. In 2009 there were 9,000 cases. Riyadh was found to be second in number of drug-related cases. The number of drug addicts seeking treatment in Riyadh was found to have tripled, from 13,520 in 2000 to 40,515 in 2009. The number in Jeddah more than tripled from 10,876 in 2000 to 35,857 in 2009.
Al Sayegh said the ministry had earlier conducted a study on some successful international experiences in the fight against narcotics in universities and institutions of higher education. In a statement, the committee announced that the workshop will be composed of four sessions, to be held under the auspices of Minister of Higher Education, Khaled bin Mohammad Al-Anqari. The first session will focus on the national strategy for combating narcotics and psychotropic substances; the second will discuss efforts of higher education institutions in the fight against narcotics and psychotropic substances; the third will lay down the ministry's vision on the drive against narcotics and psychotropic substances; and the fourth will outline the ministry's plan to combat narcotics and psychotropic substances.
The workshop is in accordance with the decision to form the committee, which comes within the scope of activating the role of the National Commission for Narcotics Control in facing narcotics in general and preventing it through awareness, education and support of those affected in particular. "The main functions of the committee include coordination with government and private universities and colleges and concerned academic organizations," Al Sayegh said.
He said that with such coordination, the committee expects to implement supportive programs and activities along with the National Strategy for Combating Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances with the assistance of the secretariat of the National Commission for Narcotics Control. Al Sayegh said that participants in the seminar will include a number of scientists, researchers, and officials of relevant agencies, like the General Directorate of Narcotics Control, the National Commission for Narcotics Control, the National Center for Youth Studies, in addition to the deans of Student Affairs in, and selected students from, Saudi universities.
An expert said the seminar is a welcome development because it will help create awareness that narcotics are detrimental to health. "It also serves as a reminder that narcotics smuggling into the Kingdom is dealt with severely.
Recently, a Pakistani couple was sentenced to death for smuggling heroin. A report said the couple were detained at the King Abdul Aziz International Airport for having swallowed small plastic bags containing drugs. The couple, who reportedly confessed to the charges but said they were unaware that drug smuggling carried the death penalty, are expected to appeal the sentence. The General Court in Jeddah has over the last six months issued six death sentences to drug smugglers, including two recently, to a Saudi and an Egyptian.
In a report, the Saudi Press Agency quoted the Ministry of Interior as "stressing the keenness of the Saudi government to fight all forms of narcotics and prevent their entry into the Kingdom. These drugs cause great harm both to individuals and the community. The ministry vows that those who engage in smuggling narcotics… will be severely punished."
