ShareAn alarming statement was published recently by Kuwait's Ministry of Interior (MoI) about the General Directorate for Drug Control regarding the arrests of many suspects for being involved in drugs crimes last month. A total of 52 drugs cases were registered in only the first half of April and 66 accused people were involved.
Think about that for just a minute. In 15 days, 52 drug-related cases. That's nearly 3.5 cases every day. Now think about the amount and types of drugs involved. How widespread the use of drugs - especially deadly ones like heroin, shabu (methamphetamine), pills and cocaine.
The crackdown has come as the General Administration for Drug Control also adopted a new approach in cooperation with the Anti-Narcotics Office and the Center for the Treatment of Addiction in dealing with users who may be victims by receiving complaints of addiction from drug users' families or through voluntary action from the user himself, seeking treatment. Thus 59 cases were referred to the addiction treatment center.
This is a great step by the Interior Ministry since arrests of narcotics smugglers and dealers alone is not enough to stop the flood of drug use among our children. Users should be considered victims and offered treatment, not imprisonment. The General Directorate for Combating Narcotics has called on the public to report suspected drug pushers as a way to protect children.
I know some parents may think that these issues do not concern them. They may believe their children would never use drugs or that they are immune from bad influences.
But trust me, kids are exposed to drugs in a variety of settings including at school and in their social life with family and friends. Some children may try it as a way to escape family control, others due to peer pressure. I believe parents must warn their kids about the dangers of drugs and explain the consequences and the harm that can arise from drug use and abuse.
Addiction to narcotics is a catastrophe that can damage an entire family and harm the larger society. Drugs are a form of corruption and we need to tackle drug abuse, collectively as a society. We are a small and open country and we can work together to overcome this evil.
The media has a great role in educating and warning people by informing them of the danger of drugs. I also believe that strict control of the airport, land and sea ports are essential to combat this scourge.
By Muna Al-Fuzai
[email protected]
