Pubdate: Wed, 15 Mar 2006
Source: Gulf Daily News (Bahrain)
Copyright: 2006 Gulf Daily News.
Contact:  http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2979
Author: Mohammed Al A'ali
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)

DRUG WAR VOW

Bahrain is winning the war on drugs, Interior Mini-ster Shaikh Rashid
bin Abdulla Al Khalifa told MPs yesterday.Bahrain has beefed up its
anti-drugs forces, with more manpower, better training and the latest
technologies.

Drug deaths fell to 41 last year from 55 in 2004, Shaikh Rashid told
parliament.

Drug arrests last year totalled 848, compared to 847 in 2004, showing
that police were keeping traffickers in check.

However smart the trafficker, the police are keeping one step ahead,
said Shaikh Rashid.

"We have four drug combat patrols roaming the country, in addition to
seven back-up squads, if needed," he said.

"More qualified Coastguards are on full alert at sea and regular
police patrols have been instructed to watch out for possible drug
dealing."

Shaikh Rashid was responding to a question by MP Shaikh Mohammed
Khalid Mohammed, who said drug abuse was rising.

"Drug addicts currently waiting for help at the Salmaniya Medical
Complex have increased to 140 from 90 in 2004, which means a rise by
67pc," he said.

Shaikh Mohammed called for a hotline for people to ring to report drug
offences. 
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