More research, greater emphasis on educating the youth, and greater investment in health facilities will help curb the scourge of drugs in the Kingdom, according to Prince Naif Bin Abdul Aziz, Second Deputy Premier and Minister of Interior. Prince Naif made these comments while chairing the second meeting of the National Committee for Combating Narcotics (NCCN) at his office here, Sunday. Addressing the session, Prince Naif stressed the importance of placing attention on studies and research on this issue. He also directed members to give priority to the issue of the youth, by setting up youth clubs to enable them to invest their leisure time in useful hobbies. Prince Naif also touched on the importance of giving more to the health sector by setting up hospitals in various parts of the Kingdom for the treatment of drug addicts. He emphasized the need for producing and executing well-planned media campaigns, in coordination with the NCCN, to enlighten the public about the dangers of drugs. He stressed the importance of designing these programs in a professional manner so that it can yield positive results. In a statement to the press following the meeting, Prince Naif said the members discussed all methods needed to ensure the safety of citizens from narcotics and all its derivatives, whether natural or synthetic. He said the session was important because it was held in the presence of princes, ministers and senior officials from various government departments. He said that there is a greater emphasis now on tackling the issue in a methodical manner by relying on facts and figures related to smuggling and the abuse of drugs. “We also analyze the crimes committed under the influence of drugs. On this basis, the committee is working on a comprehensive report about this issue in preparation for submission to King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. The report will focus mainly on the measures that should be taken to reduce the smuggling of drugs into the Kingdom and ways of dealing and enlightening drug abusers.” Prince Naif said there was nothing more destructive to society than drugs. “This is because it kills the dearest we have; our sons and youths whether they are men or women. There is nothing more dearer than our sons.” He said the outcome of the meeting will be conveyed to the public so that everyone can have a clearer picture of the situation. “We do need the efforts of all members of society to curb this menace. We need to walk hand-in-hand to enlighten the youth of the imminent dangers of drugs and how to avoid them.” This is to ensure their safety and that of future generations, said Prince Naif. He said the desire for money was the major reason for the spread of drugs. “It is the material temptation. If not for this, this menace would not have found its way to us. And if the trafficker and peddler do not find anyone to buy it, then no drugs can exist. The worst kinds of crimes are the ones which are carried out under the influence of drugs.” During the session, the committee members were briefed on the annual report on drugs and also discussed other issues.
