On Tuesday, June 24, 2014, an event was held in Muscat Crowne Plaza hotel, hosted by the Oman National Committee for Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances (NCNPS), in celebration of the international day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking that takes place annually on June 26.
Under the auspices of Sayyid Sulaiman bin Hamoud Al-Busaidi, Deputy Secretary of the Council of Ministers, the goal of the event was to continue the campaign of raising awareness about drug abuse and illicit trafficking, as well as highlight the continuous efforts and achievements of NCNPS and its partners in combating Drugs and their trafficking in Oman.
UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, Sub-Regional Office for the GCC Countries, was awarded at the event for its continuous support to NCNPS in raising awareness against drug abuse and improving the healthcare and rehabilitation services for drug-affected persons. The award was received by the UNFPA GCC office Representative, Mr. Asr Toson.
The event itself was diversified and well-attended. It included showing two documentary films that highlight the efforts of NCNPS and the Omani Royal Police in combating drug abuse and illicit trafficking. It also included a theatre stage performance on the life of drug addiction and the path to recovery, and a song composed for the event by a local band. The event was followed by an accompanying exhibition of awareness materials and concluded with a dinner.