Combating Drugs and Psychotropic Substance

The Sultanate of Oman continues to exert considerable efforts to combat drugs and psychotropic substances through ongoing prevention, control, and rehabilitation initiatives, the enactment of appropriate legislation, and the signing of agreements with neighbouring countries. Furthermore, the Sultanate actively participates in international efforts to curb drug abuse. Its tireless endeavours have earned widespread international acclaim, recognising the Sultanate as a nation equipped with the capacity and readiness to confront and reduce drug abuse.

In accordance with the Basic Law of the State, which prioritises the security of citizens and society, the Government continually updates its legal and regulatory framework to address evolving realities. The latest update, Royal Decree No. 24/2023, includes Article 5, which renames the National Committee for Combating Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Affairs and upgrades its mandate, affiliating it with the National Security Council.

• Proposing the general national policy for combating narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
• Developing prevention and treatment plans to combat the illicit use of narcotic and psychotropic substances, and monitoring their implementation.
• Proposing draft laws, regulations, and decisions related to narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
• Coordinating cooperation among various governmental and non-governmental entities in this field.
• Conducting scientific and field studies and research on narcotic and psychotropic substances.
• Exchanging regional and international expertise and experience in combating narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

National Strategy to Combat Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances 2023–2028 The National Strategy for Combating Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (2023–2028) outlines the policies, programmes, and organisational activities required to address contemporary challenges in combating these substances. It aims to strengthen the capabilities of young people to resist drug abuse, develop human resources for prevention and awareness, and ensure the creation of a safe, drug-free society. The strategy also includes specialised programmes for treatment, rehabilitation, and reintegration.

Serving as a strategic roadmap, the National Strategy for Combating Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances aspires to build a society free from the dangers of these substances. It empowers relevant authorities in the fields of security control, preventive measures, curative and rehabilitative programmes, and related projects. Additionally, it emphasises capacity-building and support for studies and research in this vital field.

• Unifying national efforts to reduce the dangers of drugs and psychotropic substances in the Sultanate of Oman through:

• Supporting efforts of control drugs.
• Supporting efforts of prevention, treatment and rehabilitation.
• Defining the roles and responsibilities of each concerned party to participate in implementing the strategy’s provisions.
• Following up and evaluating the implementation of the national strategy items based on the approved indicators.

With regard to the policy to reduce demand for narcotic and psychotropic substances, the National Strategy (2023–2028) adopts three core programmes aimed at achieving these objectives.

Prevention Programs	A general preventive executive plan for various segments of society (lectures/seminars/activities) An implementation plan targeting specific groups (school students/university students) A preventive plan to address the causes and strengthen society (taking advantage of spare time/addressing family problems) through: coordinating with the concerned authorities to provide sports and entertaining facilities to fill young people’s free time and direct their energies in a positive way Coordinating with the relevant authorities to provide family counseling centers in all governorates of the Sultanate A media plan targeting all segments of society
Treatment and rehabilitation programs	Opening treatment centers for addiction patients in all governorates of the Sultanate of Oman. Establishing specialized treatment and rehabilitation centers in the governorates of Muscat, Al Batinah North, and Dhofar Strengthening the aftercare program and community services for addiction patients.
Studies, research and monitoring	Developing the central registry concerned with monitoring addiction cases. Conducting studies and research related to this field. Encouraging specialists and graduate students to conduct studies and research in these fields.

In addition to the National Committee for Combating Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, numerous state institutions actively contribute to addressing this serious issue. They focus on raising public awareness and highlighting the adverse effects of drug abuse on health, social stability, security, and the economy. The Committee also plays a pivotal role in promoting awareness across various sectors, including health, social services, culture, and the prevention of drug abuse, while fostering cooperation and coordination among governmental and private entities and encouraging community participation in combating drugs.

The Royal Oman Police (ROP), through its General Directorate for Combating Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, places great emphasis on combating narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. It enforces stringent security measures to prevent the entry and smuggling of these substances into the Sultanate of Oman. Using advanced surveillance systems and modern technologies, it monitors operations closely and efficiently apprehends smugglers and seizes illicit quantities. The ROP possesses extensive capabilities to counter smuggling crimes, with the active participation of various police formations and support units, including the Coast Guard Police. This coordinated effort with military and security bodies has been instrumental in curbing numerous smuggling attempts.

The Drug Cases Department within the Public Prosecution undertakes comprehensive efforts to address cases related to drug abuse, addiction, and associated offences. It also facilitates coordination between the Public Prosecution and relevant governmental and private institutions concerned with narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

The Ministry of Health plays an active role in combating narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, focusing particularly on treatment and rehabilitation. Al Masarra Hospital, located in the Wilayat of Al Amerat in Muscat Governorate, is a leading facility recognised for providing medical treatment and comprehensive psychological, social, and vocational rehabilitation for drug addiction cases. The Al Amerat Recovery Centre complements these efforts through 16 specialised psychological clinics across various governorates of the Sultanate. Plans for 2025 include the establishment of additional treatment and rehabilitation centres in Muscat, Sohar, and Dhofar Governorate.

Several private healthcare institutions are also licensed to treat and rehabilitate individuals suffering from drug addiction, including Al Amal Hospital in Rustaq, Shorouk Al Amal Centre in Seeb, and the International House of Hope in Barka.

Awareness and training efforts continue throughout the year under annual plans approved by the Committee for the Prevention of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. The Committee plays a vital role in raising public awareness about the dangers of drug abuse through educational campaigns targeting local communities, particularly youth. These efforts include workshops, awareness activities, and lectures conducted in schools, universities, and community centres to educate people about the health and social risks associated with drug use.

The Community Competition Initiative, launched in 2015 across all governorates of the Sultanate of Oman, aims to encourage community participation in identifying solutions and supporting local projects to reduce drug-related issues. In 2024, 28 wilayats took part in various preventive projects and initiatives under this programme.

The Ministry of Social Development supervises the National Social Rehabilitation Programme, known as Takyyaf, which supports individuals recovering from drug addiction and their families. In cooperation with the Committee for the Prevention of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, the programme provides aftercare services aimed at helping individuals reintegrate into society. Through various guidance and counselling initiatives, Takyyaf delivers essential support to assist in their social and family reintegration.

The Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Committee for the Prevention of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, implements the “Fawasl” Programme, which aims to protect school students across all governorates of the Sultanate from the dangers of drugs and psychotropic substances. Fawasl, an international initiative adapted to align with the Omani curriculum, is developed in cooperation with the Mentoring Foundation. It seeks to enhance students’ awareness, develop their personal capabilities and life skills, and strengthen family involvement through an interactive approach involving both students and parents.

The Ministry of Information plays a crucial role in combating drug abuse by raising public awareness and educating society through its various media platforms, including television, radio, the press, digital portals, and social media. The Ministry produces awareness campaigns, organises events and seminars in cooperation with relevant authorities, and disseminates information on drug-prevention methods such as developing life skills, strengthening family bonds, and promoting positive values among youth. Moreover, the Ministry highlights the pivotal roles of families, schools, and communities in preventing drug abuse, while supporting the National Committee for Combating Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances in implementing national plans and programmes in cooperation with the Royal Oman Police and the Ministry of Health.