Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Interior, represented by the General Directorate of Narcotics Control, today launched an awareness exhibition at Place Vendome Mall in Lusail, in observance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Held under the theme "Break the Cycle... Stop Organized Crime," the exhibition will run until July 1, with the participation of several departments of the Ministry of Interior and relevant national institutions.
The opening ceremony was attended by directors of various Ministry departments and representatives of participating entities, who toured the exhibition and reviewed the ongoing efforts in awareness, education, and prevention aimed at combating drug abuse.
The exhibition features pavilions from the General Directorate of Traffic, the General Directorate of Coasts and Borders Security, the Community Policing Department, the Department of Penal and Correctional Institutions, and the Juvenile Police Department. Other participating entities include the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, the General Authority of Customs, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, the Behavioral Health Support Center, the Naufar Center, and the Qatar Scientific Club.
The initiative seeks to raise public awareness about the harmful effects of drugs on individuals, families, and society by disseminating informative materials and fostering cooperation between government bodies and civil society to counter the spread of drug abuse.
Speaking at the event, Colonel Rashid Saree Al Kaabi, Director General of the General Directorate of Narcotics Control, stressed that drug abuse remains one of the most serious threats facing societies today, due to its evolving nature and the sophistication of smuggling and promotion methods. He called for unified national, regional, and international efforts to combat this growing menace.
"We are committed to marking this international occasion to highlight the escalating dangers of drugs, correct misconceptions, and promote prevention through knowledge and community engagement, especially among the youth, who are often targeted by drug dealers," Colonel Al Kaabi said.
He emphasized that the initiative aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030, particularly in its focus on human development, and supports the Ministry of Interior's 2024-2030 Strategy, which includes the strategic objective of protecting society from the harms of drugs.
Colonel Al Kaabi also urged families to remain vigilant and actively engaged in their children's lives through open dialogue, active listening, and awareness of their social environment, including their peers, as a key line of defense against influences that threaten societal security and stability.
Director of the Studies and International Affairs Department, Major Nasser Zayed Al Hasawi Al Shahwani noted that the observance of this day presents an opportunity to showcase accomplishments in the field of drug prevention, including student awareness initiatives, community lectures, educational publications, and modern communication tools tailored to the expectations of today's youth.
He further highlighted the value of direct interaction with the public through the exhibition and emphasized the vital role of families in safeguarding children through dialogue and ongoing support.
Captain Abdullah Qasim Askar, Head of the Education and Awareness Section at the Department of Studies and International Affairs, reiterated that the Ministry's preventive programs target all segments of society, focusing on dispelling misleading perceptions about drugs propagated by certain individuals with ill intentions.
"We are committed to delivering a comprehensive awareness package that evolves with current developments and presents facts in clear, accessible ways, particularly for students and expatriate communities. Our goal is to build a well-informed and resilient society through the spread of a culture of collective self-awareness," he added.
