Amman, June 25 (Petra) As the world prepares to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on Thursday, June 26, experts in Jordan are highlighting the growing complexities of drug-related threats and calling for integrated national and international action to counter the scourge.

The United Nations General Assembly established the observance in December 1987 to raise global awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and to underscore the importance of collective efforts to combat it.

In interviews with the Jordan News Agency (Petra), several specialists warned that evolving trafficking networks, shifting drug use patterns, and mounting societal and health risks demand more than just traditional law enforcement. They stressed that prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation efforts must be expanded and coordinated across government, civil society, and communities.

Jordan's early awareness and robust response

Retired Major General Tayel Al-Majali, former director of the Anti-Narcotics Department, said Jordan recognized early on the dangers of drugs and adopted advanced legislative, security, and intelligence measures to address the issue. He emphasized that the kingdom remains free of commercial-scale drug cultivation or manufacturing.

Al-Majali noted that while Jordan is not a producer of narcotics, it continues to face domestic challenges in drug abuse and local trafficking. However, significant strides have been made in disrupting these activities, thanks to ongoing operations by the Anti-Narcotics Department, the armed forces, and security agencies working around the clock to secure borders and thwart smuggling attempts.

He also pointed to organized smuggling attempts in previous years originating from neighboring territories, involving the use of drones and missiles tactics that, he said, surpass the capabilities of individual actors and indicate state-level orchestration.

He praised the intelligence-driven approach of Jordan’s anti-narcotics efforts, explaining that every officer maintains a network of informants that helps dismantle trafficking routes and reduce local supply.

Legislation and treatment infrastructure

Jordan’s anti-drug legislation, Law No. 11 of 1988, aligns with Arab and international conventions and takes a balanced approach offering addicts a chance for treatment and rehabilitation while imposing harsh penalties, including the death penalty for repeat traffickers.

Al-Majali cited the presence of three main rehabilitation centers run by the Anti-Narcotics Department, the Ministry of Health in Shafa Badran, and a private hospital which provide free services and report promising results in helping individuals recover from addiction.

He stressed that combating drug abuse is a shared responsibility, praising the growing public awareness but warning that no community is immune from the threat. "The fight must continue with seriousness and without complacency," he said.

A multi-dimensional challenge

Mousa Tarifi, president of the Jordan Anti-Drug Society, said the drug problem, both in Jordan and globally, transcends security and public health, impacting economic development, social stability, family cohesion, and youth protection.

He called for a united response from all sectors government agencies, civil society, and the public to confront the increasing attempts at smuggling and the diversification of psychoactive substances.

Tarifi explained that the society conducts comprehensive prevention programs targeting youth, families, schools, and community centers. These efforts rely on evidence-based awareness campaigns, including lectures, workshops, and field outreach. The society also offers family counseling and support services.

Internationally, the organization engages with specialized agencies, participates in UN narcotics committee meetings, and organizes conferences and training to enhance national readiness in confronting new and emerging drug threats.

He highlighted this year’s UN slogan "Break the Cycle, Stop Organized Crime" which underscores the need to disrupt the link between narcotics and criminal networks through sustainable prevention and community-wide participation. "Every step matters whether it’s saving one individual, treating one addict, or educating one family," he said.

Media as the first line of defense

Amjad Safori, Dean of the Faculty of Media at Zarqa University, underscored the central role of media in combating drug abuse. "Building an aware citizen is the true foundation for protecting society from disintegration and collapse," he said.

He stressed that media content must be purposeful and professionally crafted to effectively shape public opinion, dismantle harmful myths, and foster a culture of prevention especially among youth.

Safori emphasized the need to tailor messages to different audience groups using appropriate language and delivery tools, particularly via social media, which is central to engaging young demographics. He encouraged media outlets to share real stories and testimonials to build emotional and cognitive awareness among viewers.

He also called on academic institutions, especially journalism schools, to train future journalists in producing compelling and ethical content that strengthens public rejection of drug use. He encouraged students to launch impactful media campaigns that support national causes and promote awareness.

In conclusion, Safori said that countering the drug threat requires close coordination between media, families, schools, health services, and security institutions. "This is no longer a marginal issue it poses a comprehensive threat to every segment of society and demands a long-term, unified awareness strategy," he said.

//Petra// AF

25/06/2025 21:21:10