Parents have been urged to be vigilant and look out for tell-tale signs of drug use in their children and pay close attention to who they spend their time with.
Peer influence plays a critical role in shaping the youngsters’ behaviour, said Hidd Police Station head Colonel Dr Osama Bahar.
Speaking on Al Aman show on social media, he added that parents were the first line of defence against such practices, urging them to monitor their children to ensure that they do not fall prey to addiction.
“It is your duty and right to observe, protect and intervene in a positive way and create a clear and serious dialogue with a high degree of respect,” said Col Dr Bahar.
“Assess their friends’ morals and teach your children how to choose the appropriate ones.
“Some friends are good and have good intentions, while others may cause harm.”
According to Col Dr Bahar, parents should look for clues in their children at home, especially teenagers, if they suspect drug abuse.
He said that parents need to look deeper into destructive behaviours and research potential signs of drug use in order to educate them on the dangers of illicit substances.
“Do not neglect their upbringing,” he said.
“Parents must fully observe their children staying up late, for example.
“Try to find out the reason they are staying up late, their whereabouts, and if you suspect anything, protect them in a loving manner as mother and father.
“Learn to differentiate between teenage irritability and whether it has other causes.
“If he starts to break things in a rage, spends money illogically, neglects his studies and exhibits other behaviours, do not delay, the Interior Ministry can help you.”
Col Dr Bahar
He also warned parents about the dangers of potential gateway drugs, mainly nicotine, and also told them to familiarise themselves with what drugs and other illicit substances look like to intervene early and help them before it is too late.
“Do not overlook the electronic vape. Specialists confirm that in a lot of cases, it begins with nicotine and ends with narcotics.
“If you notice any strange substances in their room or car, such as brown and crystalline substances you do not recognise, call 996 for support and they will guide you.
“The first stages are easy. If the addiction intensifies, it will be more difficult, but not impossible.
“If you yourself are an addict, you can always seek help, there is no shame in that.”
The GDN reported last year that people trying to overcome drug addiction were being urged to seek professional help or contact the Interior Ministry’s hotline, 996, for guidance.
General Directorate of Criminal Investigations and Forensic Science’s narcotics control department director Lieutenant Colonel Mohammed Al Buainain assured that there will be no legal consequences to people seeking help. The aim was to educate them and help them recover rather than punish them.
Lt Col Al Buainain assured people that addicts will be shown leniency and there will be no legal repercussions for drug use if they are making an effort at rehabilitation.
Last month, it was reported that from the beginning of last year to April 2025, more than half a tonne of narcotic substances were seized, 2,824 suspects were arrested in 2,559 cases, and more than 300,000 narcotic pills were confiscated.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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