Anti-drug awareness exhibition opens

MUSCAT, JUNE 28

An awareness exhibition aimed at strengthening public awareness of the dangers of drug abuse and promoting a culture of prevention opened at Muscat Mall on Sunday to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

The exhibition, organised by the Directorate-General for Combating Drugs and Psychotropic Substances of the Royal Oman Police (ROP), was inaugurated by Shaikh Rashid bin Ahmed al Shamsi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Social Development for Family Affairs and Community Development. The opening ceremony was attended by Major General Khalifa bin Ali al Siyabi, Assistant Inspector General of Police and Customs for Administrative and Financial Affairs, along with several senior ROP officers.

The event brought together a number of government and private sector organisations, including the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Social Development, the Prevention Committee of the National Committee for Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Affairs, be'ah, Muscat Recovery Centre and several Royal Oman Police formations.

Major Harib bin Hamed al Busaidy said the exhibition seeks to strengthen partnerships between government institutions and the wider community to foster a strong preventive culture that protects individuals from the dangers of drugs.

"The event reinforces national efforts aimed at building a safer and more informed community," he said.

First Lieutenant Kahlan bin Said al Mayahi said the exhibition was organised to raise public awareness about the dangers of drug addiction and encourage communities to play an active role in prevention.

"Prevention is the first line of defence in combating this scourge. This can be achieved by providing educational materials that help members of society make responsible decisions that safeguard their health and future," he said.

The exhibition featured a range of educational displays and awareness materials highlighting the harmful effects of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. Participating organisations were also honoured in recognition of their contributions to combating drug abuse and supporting national prevention efforts.