Interior Minister attends anti-drug day celebration

Manama, June 25 (BNA): Interior Minister Lt-General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa today attended the Interior Ministry’s celebration to mark the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Minister of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments, Education Minister, Health Minister, Minister of Information Affairs and Minister of Youth and Sports Affairs, attended the event,, in the presence of Attorney-General, Chief of Public Security and a number of senior officials. The Interior Minister expressed thanks and appreciation to efforts of the National Anti-drug Committee, the Anti-narcotics Directorate and all security authorities that cooperate to protect society from drugs. He wished them the best in serving the nation. Director of Anti-narcotics, Colonel Mubarak bin Huwail in a speech highlighted his sincere thanks and appreciation for the support of HE Interior Ministry. He highlighted some statistics to highlight drug-fighting efforts, as from January 1 to June 20 of this year, the department discovered 391 cases and arrested 596 suspects. A documentary was shown on the national anti-drug efforts and the achievements of the Anti-narcotics Directorate and Customs Affairs in this regard, as well as the awareness projects such as the programme against violence and addiction (Maan) and services to integrate rehabilitated drug addict into society. The film also highlighted the importance of cooperation with the Nasser Center for Rehabilitation and Vocational Training in this regard. The celebration included the launching of the National Strategy to Fight Drug-related Problems as part of ongoing efforts to fight supply and demand of drugs. HE Interior Minister honoured a number of employees of the Anti-narcotics Directorate and organizers of anti-drug programmes by various government organizations. Companies such as Bangas and GPIC were honoured for sponsoring events as well as lecturers in anti-drug events