RIYADH: Prince Naif Bin Abdul Aziz, Second Deputy Premier, Minister of Interior and Chairman of the National Anti-Narcotics Committee, presided over the committee's second meeting in Riyadh Sunday night. Addressing the members, Prince Naif thanked companies, including the Saudi Arabian Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC), Saudi Telecom (STC), the National Commercial Bank and Bin Laden Group for their contribution to the ministry's various activities to combat the drug menace in the country. He said drugs are a major threat to society. He said quantities are being smuggled into the country daily, apart from the huge quantities which the anti-narcotic administration and customs department has announced. “Just imagine if all these quantities had reached the country. It would have been a great catastrophe. I always ask the anti-narcotics administration to announce the quantities seized to enlighten the public about the size of the problem.” He urged the media and the Ministry of Islamic Call, represented by the mosques' Khateebs and Imams, to play an active role in this regard since they are aware of the great threat drugs pose to society. “Almighty Allah forbids this menace. There is more punishment than the capital punishment enforced against the traffickers and peddlers. But it should be understood that those who use drugs are sick people who should be treated by all means until they recover and integrate back into society.” He said drugs are more dangerous than all other problems facing any society, especially Islamic society. Drugs affect the mind and destroy it. “This is the danger of narcotics. This proves that drugs are more dangerous than any other menace.” “This also provides conclusive evidence that our country is targeted because of the craze and greed of the smugglers for our money. We cannot exclude the possibility that there are certain [people] who want to spoil our youth, the country's real asset. Needless to say, if the youth are spoiled, the entire society will be spoiled, because they are tomorrow's men.” Prince Naif has urged all segments of society to work hand-in-hand to fight the drug menace. Citing an example, he said if someone tries to attack the country, all people will stand with the Armed Forces. “This is now the case. Therefore we should all join hands to combat this dangerous menace.” He said the victims of drugs are not only young men but also girls, children and parents. He said many drug addicts attack their loved ones unconsciously. “I am talking about existing facts.” He said the reality of the situation can be seen in the records of the police, courts and executive authorities. This is why the ruler, scholars and the Board of Senior Ulema have introduced capital punishment as a penalty for drug traffickers and peddlers. “I don't think there is a danger bigger than that of drugs because it affects the family especially our dear sons and daughters.” He called on the Minister of Culture and Information and the media to launch awareness campaigns on the danger of drugs.
