Members of the National Alliance for Combating Narcotics in Jordan, affiliated to ARDD have called for the formulation of a clear national strategy and plan to treat drug addicts and users, aiming to prevent addiction risks and enhance awareness of its dangers among community members.
During a meeting with the Media and National Guidance Committee in the Senate on Monday, January 27, 2025, to review their efforts and discuss the issue of drugs and its latest developments locally and regionally, alliance members emphasized the need for collaboration between various government and private entities, as well as civil society organizations, to combat the spread of drugs and psychoactive substances. This is particularly crucial given Jordan's ongoing confrontation with drug traffickers and promoters.
The alliance's chairman, retired Major General Tayel Al-Majali, highlighted the importance of ensuring that drug use penalties serve as a general deterrent. He suggested implementing a "temporary restriction" on users for a year, for example, which could be lifted if they successfully quit drug use, allowing them to continue improving and reforming their behavior. Al-Majali stressed that Jordan and the region are facing a genuine threat from drugs, describing the current situation as a "real war" against drug smugglers at the northern and southern borders, involving official entities and international gangs using advanced tools and equipment.
Meanwhile, the chairman of the Senate’s Media and National Guidance Committee, Senator Mohammad Dawodieh, praised the efforts of the Anti-Narcotics Department in seizing drugs, drying up their sources, apprehending promoters, and referring them to justice. He also commended the collaboration with the Armed Forces/Arab Army in protecting the borders to safeguard Jordanian youth from the destructive impact of this scourge.
Deputy Senate President Dr. Zuhair Abu Faris emphasized that the sovereignty, security, and stability of the Kingdom take precedence over all other priorities and considerations. He noted that the illicit drug trade poses a significant threat to youth and society at large, necessitating unified efforts to confront this phenomenon.
Regarding drug prevention and limiting its spread, alliance member Senator and retired Major General Dr. Ammar Al-Qudah stressed the need for studies to reveal the extent of drug prevalence and usage in the Kingdom. He pointed out a noticeable increase in crimes committed due to drug use, which requires joint efforts and collaboration across all sectors of society, starting from families, universities, schools, and places of worship, to raise awareness about the dangers of this scourge on youth.
The discussions among alliance members underscored the need for unified efforts by security, government, civil society organizations, and media experts, especially given the emergence of drugs containing dangerous chemical substances harmful to human health. They emphasized the importance of providing special care for juveniles, ensuring continued follow-up care for recovering drug users, raising awareness among school and university students, and integrating information on drug risks into educational curricula.
In conclusion, the participants stressed the necessity of investing in preventive measures and doubling efforts to combat the drug issue through training relevant personnel, adopting comprehensive measures to counter trafficking, enforcing stricter penalties on promoters, providing psychological and spiritual rehabilitation for addicts, and proposing collective solutions while responding effectively to domestic and regional crises.
