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QNA
Doha
THE State of Qatar will mark International Day against Drug Abuse, which falls on June 26 each year, by organising a number of awareness raising events on the dangers of drugs and their harm to the individual and society under the theme 'Listen First', chosen by the United Nations for this year's celebrations.
The events, which will be held at the Gulf Mall during the period from 28 to 30 this month, include cultural and recreational competitions to raise awareness about the dangers of all kinds of drugs and the harmful effects of taking drugs wrongly, as well as other events including the distribution of awareness brochures and gifts to the public.
Director of Studies and International Affairs Department of the General Directorate of Drug Control Major Mohammed Abdullah al Khater said that the Ministry of the Interior is keen to celebrate this day every year to share the deep concern of the international community over the growing phenomenon and its efforts to combat it because of its devastating impact on the people.
Al Khater said the State of Qatar joins the international community in celebrating this occasion in the belief of the seriousness of the problem and highlighting the dangers resulting from it, and stressing its continued support for efforts to address this phenomenon through the implementation of the principles and provisions of the conventions on drug control and attendance and participation in relevant conferences and meetings.
He added that Qatar is working hard to curb this phenomenon from a strategic reality that includes various axes, including controlling, preventing and addressing the problem in order to achieve a society free from the use of drugs.
Al Khater explained that the General Directorate of Drug Control is seeking through this occasion to achieve several basic objectives such as highlighting the great role and efforts exerted by the country's drug control agencies and promoting and developing these efforts to achieve the greatest possible cooperation between the concerned parties in facing this scourge.
He pointed out that these efforts aim at drawing the attention of society and reminding them of the dangers of narcotic drugs and the harmful effects of their use and purchase on the individual, the family and the community in terms of health, social and economic aspects.
The commemoration of the International Day against Drug Abuse was also an important occasion to recall the vital role that every member of society should play in stopping the spread of drugs and preventing the entry of new people into drug use.
The 'Listen First' logo reflects the international community's belief in the importance of listening to children and young people to help them grow healthy and safely and reach the goal of prevention, which is one of the most important aspects of drug control, said Al Khater.
He said it is worth mentioning here the continuous efforts of all those working in the country's drug control agencies and their effective role in the field of narcotic drugs to prevent, address and counter the smuggling and promotion of drugs.
He added that these efforts by the concerned bodies in the country foiled several attempts to smuggle quantities of narcotic substances for promotion within the country. This reflects the determination of these organs to address this phenomenon seriously and firmly as well as control, restrict and reduce their spread in a particular category, he said.
Al Khater called on all citizens and residents, especially the youth, to be cautious and aware of the consequences of falling victim to these poisons, traders and promoters, and to take the initiative to activate this day and highlight the importance of the problem and prevent its harms and risks, as well as deepen the spirit of cooperation with the competent organs in the fight against drugs.
