Doha, June 25 (QNA) - Director of the GCC-Criminal Information Center to Combat Drugs (GCC-CICCD) Colonel Mohammed Abdullah Al Khater said International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, marked annually on June 26, is an important occasion to renew commitment to protecting societies from drugs and assessing efforts to strengthen community security and safeguard youth.

He said GCC states are observing the day amid rapid security and health changes, relying on integrated regional and national efforts under the GCC Anti-Drug Strategy (2025–2028), which provides a comprehensive framework to unify member states' efforts in confronting the drug threat.

Al Khater said the strategy focuses on reducing drug supply and demand, cutting off sources, promoting alternative development, strengthening legislation, combating money laundering from drug trafficking, and enhancing training and capacity-building to improve preventive, security, and treatment responses.

He noted that this year's global theme "World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses," reflects current challenges, stressing that the drug threat is no longer limited to traditional smuggling methods but has extended into the digital space and social media platforms used to target youth and promote drugs.

He added that the center has developed advanced electronic monitoring tools to curb online promotion, track and block suspicious accounts, and conduct joint security operations and controlled deliveries to target transnational criminal networks.

He also said the center supports GCC security work through studies and research to unify procedures among member states in line with national laws and high standards of quality, confidentiality, and efficiency, while also focusing on modern technologies, including a study on using artificial intelligence to detect and analyze drug crimes.

On capacity-building, he said the center regularly organizes specialized training programs for anti-drug and customs personnel in GCC states, in cooperation with regional and international partners, universities, and research centers, to enhance expertise in combating evolving criminal methods.

He highlighted progress in monitoring chemical precursors used in illicit drug manufacturing and efforts to address misuse of medical drugs with narcotic effects, including workshops on Lyrica in cooperation with the International Narcotics Control Board.

He concluded that the International Day Against Drug Abuse is not only a awareness occasion but also an opportunity to strengthen community partnership and unify efforts, stressing that protecting future generations is a shared responsibility requiring coordination between security agencies, educational institutions, media, and families. (QNA)