A special Narcotics Crimes Prosecution has been set up to deal with drug-related offences and cases.
It will be responsible for investigating and handling crimes stipulated in Law 15 of 2007, concerning narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, announced Attorney General Dr Ali Al Buainain yesterday.
He added that the move was a major milestone as Bahrain steps up its war against drug-related crimes that significantly affect security and public health.
Assistant Attorney General Counsellor Wael Buallay, meanwhile, added that the decision supports the National Plan to Combat Drugs and Psychotropic Substances.
“The purpose of setting up the special office stems from the importance of specialisation in dealing with this type of crime which represents a direct threat to society,” he said.
“The purpose of establishing the prosecution is to enhance the effectiveness of investigations, expedite legal procedures and ensure the effective prosecution of offenders, through professional handling of such crimes in line with their local and international developments.”
In addition to its jurisdiction over investigating and handling drug-related crimes, the Narcotics Crimes Prosecution will undertake several key tasks.
“It will work in strong co-ordination with relevant authorities at the Interior Ministry,” said Mr Buallay.
“The office will work with other entities on international arrest warrants, extradition of suspects or convicts, and work closely with their international counterparts.”
He added that the office will also track the illicit financial proceeds from the sale of drugs and psychotropic substances and assist in legislative and regulatory proposals to combat the menace, including prosecuting the individuals involved.
The announcement of the new Narcotics Crimes Prosecution comes ahead of International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking set to be marked globally tomorrow.
The illicit drug trade is deeply connected to other crimes including human trafficking, illegal mining and environmental destruction.
International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking set to be marked tomorrow globally
This year’s campaign “Break the cycle. #StopOrganisedCrime” highlights the need for co-ordinated long-term action to break the cycle of organised crime and drug trafficking – by addressing root causes, investing in prevention and building stronger health, education and social systems.
Meanwhile, Anti-Narcotics Directorate at the General Directorate of Criminal Investigation and Forensic Science director Lieutenant Colonel Mohammed Al Buainain said that several drug smuggling attempts had been foiled this year.
He told the Interior Ministry’s Al Amn magazine that 626 drug-related cases were registered in the first quarter of the year. These included 471 cases within the country, 62 cases at King Fahad Causeway, 91 cases at Bahrain International Airport and two cases at sea.
Comparatively, a total of 1,849 drug cases were registered last year across different ports including 1,371 cases locally, 201 cases at the causeway, 276 at the airport and one case at sea.
The official added that the above cases included 73 related to smuggling, 155 drug promotion, 1,286 narcotics abuse, one cultivation case, 240 related to drugs and 94 classified under ‘others’.
The ministry is encouraging members of the public to report any suspected drug-related activity by calling, in confidence, the hotline (996), the operations room (999), or via email at 996@interior.gov.bh.
Lt Col Al Buainain said 283 reports were processed via the hotline during the first quarter this year, while 1,237 calls were registered last year.
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