Muscat – A two-day exhibition to mark International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking – or World Drug Day – opened at Muscat Grand Mall on Monday on the theme ‘Together Drug Free Community’ to drive home the anti-drug message.

The exhibition is being organised by the Awareness and Training Department of the National Committee for Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances in cooperation with the Directorate General of Combatting Drugs and Psychotropic Substances of Royal Oman Police (ROP).

The exhibition is part of efforts to raise awareness about the effects of drugs on people, families and society and minimise drug use in Oman.

The exhibition features a display where ROP officers list various types of drugs, educating the public not to fall into the trap of drugs, and a booth with a boat propeller showing how drugs are smuggled into the country.

Various international, government and private organisations, including UNFPA, Narcotics Anonymous, Shuroq al Amal al Alamia Rehabilitation Centre and Home of Hope – all connected in their work in collaboration with National Committee for Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances in combatting misinformation to fight the scourge of drugs all over Oman.

“I hope the exhibition succeeds in reaching out to people and convinces them to talk freely about drugs and educate their children about this social problem,” said Dr Amira al Raidan, drug awareness and training supervisor, National Committee for Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances.

In particular, she hoped the exhibition encouraged people struggling with substance abuse, addictions and mental health concerns to seek help. “There’s nothing wrong with asking for help; it’s a brave act”.

Mostafa Mohammed, an ex-addict representing the rehabilitation facility Home of Hope at the exhibition, told Muscat Daily, “It’s not easy to stop taking drugs. It takes a mental and physical toll.”
Giving his own example, he said, he persevered and stayed strong. Mohammed now helps out at the Home of Hope working with recovering drug addicts.
(Contributed by Fletcher Dsouza)