Interior minister chairs national anti-drug committee meeting

Manama, June 25 (BNA): Interior Minister and Head of the National Anti-drug Committee, Lt-General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa chaired here today the 8th meeting of the committee, in the presence of the Minister of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments, Education Minister, Health Minister, Minister of Information Affairs and Minister of Youth and Sports Affairs. The Interior Minister welcomed the committee members, hailing their efforts to limit the risks of narcotics. The meeting discussed including a number of psychotropic substances in the banned list in according to a report issued by the General Directorate of Criminal Investigation and Forensic Science. Minister of Youth and Sports Affairs briefed the meeting of the Anti-drug programme "Takatuf" by the General Organisation of Youth and Sports (GOYS) that aims to promote youth to reject negative practices and exchange experiences between youth from youth centres. The Interior Minister hailed the programme, noting the importance to benefit from the success of the National Programme to Fight Violence and Addiction (Maan) at various schools. General Director of Customs Clearance and Inspection, Shaikh Ahmed bin Hamad Al Khalifa briefed the participants of means to foil drug trafficking through ports, in which HE Interior Minister hailed the efforts of Customs personnel in fighting drug smuggling, while vowing to continue backing and supporting to the Customs Affairs. Southern Governor and Maan President, Shaikh Abdullah bin Rashid Al Khalifa highlighted the results of the survey of the celebration committee of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in association with the General Directorate of Criminal Investigation and Forensic Science that provided information that will contribute towards more anti-drug programmes and plans. At the end of the meeting, the Director-General of Criminal Investigation and Forensic Science highlighted the recommendations of the International Narcotics Control Board of the United Nations Mission. The meeting was also attended by representatives of government organisations.