War against drugs: Brunei makes call for cooperation of all

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (Borneo Bulletin/ANN): The Brunei public should not be complacent although the drug issue in the country is still under control.

Efforts to deal with the drug problem require cooperation from various parties, such as agencies related to family, youth, religion and unity as well as non-governmental organisations, said Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Director Dato Paduka Mohd Zalani Ismail.

“Being the leading agency in combating drug and substance abuse in the country, the bureau will continue to be committed to combating any form of drug abuse and trafficking activities.

"It will always be ready to serve the well-being and security of the country. Integrated cooperation with all these parties can have a comprehensive effect, as well as solve the nation’s drug problem.”

He made these comments during the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (IDADAIT) 2023 celebration.

Congratulating and expressing appreciation to the National Anti-Drug Association (BASMIDA) – the organiser of the event – in collaboration with the NCB and the Tutong District Office, Ministry of Home Affairs, he noted that the event symbolises seriousness and commitment to eradicate the abuse and trafficking of illegal drugs.

“At the same time, it is an important sign to give a second chance to ex-addicts to repent.

“The negative stigma against ex-addicts must be eroded from society so that this group is not left out.

“We must understand that drug abuse is a recurring chronic disease requiring the support of parties such as family and society and one’s own strength to recover.

“Al-Islah Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre implements a scientifically proven approach and emphasises family therapy, but there is no guarantee that after leaving the centre, they will be completely free from drug addiction again,” said the director.

He also pointed out that efforts towards treating and rehabilitating drug addicts are not easy as they are assessed comprehensively and do not solely focus on a centre that handles the problem of drug addiction but also involvement from other parties, such as families, employers, communities and non-governmental organisations.

“There is a need for treatment and social programmes to be diversified and implemented to ensure community awareness can be increased and increase awareness and self-efficacy to refrain from engaging in drug abuse,” he added.

The director also emphasised that associations come forward and provide diligent cooperation in diversifying the benefits and appropriate activities such as yesterday’s event.

“Hence, to realise the government’s goals, all levels of society must play their roles in mobilising energy to combat drug abuse and trafficking and welcome efforts like this to be intensified and expanded further,” said the director. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN