RIYADH: Drugs lead to several social problems, and it is a national and religious duty of every citizen to fight the menace, Madinah Gov. Prince Faisal bin Salman said while inaugurating a forum on “Prevention of Drugs” in Madinah recently.

Putting his signature on a book calling for the prevention of drugs, Prince Faisal said the scourge of drugs is linked to other crimes such as murder, violence and theft.

A documentary highlighting efforts undertaken by the Ministry of Interior and other government and nongovernmental agencies to combat the drug menace was also shown at the event.

Thanking the governor for attending the event, Ilah bin Mohammed Sharif, secretary-general of the National Project for the Prevention of Narcotics (Nebras), said his organization needs support from all regional governorates in the fight against drugs.

“We organize social and cultural programs as part of our public awareness events to eradicate the problem from society,” he said.

The Kingdom has signed several national and international agreements with relevant bodies to fight the problem, he said.

Last month, Nebras launched a three-day program against drug addiction among students in the Kingdom. Nebras is part of the National Committee for Narcotics Control (NCNC).

“The program aims to prepare trainers on drug prevention in accordance with the directive of the Saudi leadership,” Al-Sharif said.

Nebras has appointed 50 women at intermediate and secondary schools to create awareness among students on the dangers of drug addiction.

Al-Sharif said the program focuses mainly on training in the educational sector. “Training under the program comes as part of the operational plan for the project, with daily sessions in all regions of the Kingdom.”