THE drug situation remained under control in Brunei Darussalam last year and the country has not detected any drug production, diversion of chemical precursors or illicit crop cultivation.
However, Brunei Darussalam continues to stay alert – that includes being wary of the threats of infiltration of drugs into the country, Deputy Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office Dato Paduka Awang Haji Hamdan bin Haji Abu Bakar said at the 5th Asean Ministerial Meeting on Drug Matters (AMMDM) held yesterday in Singapore.
The Sultanate will continue to work closely and coordinate with other Asean member states to tackle drug matters, he said.
It is now even more vital and relevant for Asean to demonstrate unity and commitment in developing the region as it approaches the 50th anniversary of Asean next year, he added.
The deputy minister said Asean should continue to uphold a united front to ensure that the outcomes of international meetings do not contradict the region’s policy, interest and aspiration of a ‘Drug-Free Asean’.
Deputy Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office Dato Paduka Awang Haji Hamdan bin Haji Abu Bakar (left) with the guest of honour, ministers and heads of delegation during the opening ceremony. – PHOTOS: NCB
Dato Paduka Awang Haji Hamdan delivering his statement at the 5th AMMDM in Singapore.
He also said it is important for Asean to make early preparations for the 2019 new global drug policy through the United Nations.
At the opening ceremony of the meeting, Teo Chee Hean, Deputy Prime Minister of Republic of Singapore called on Asean to be united as one voice to ensure a ‘Drug-Free Asean’ and zero-tolerance approach against drugs and also to work together so that Asean has a better chance of protecting its citizens and families from the dangers of drugs, as well as rehabilitating drug abusers and reintegrating them into the society.
The meeting was also attended by Haji Mohd Jaffari bin Haji Mahadi, Acting Director of Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), and senior officers from the Prime Minister’s Office and NCB.
The meeting adopted the Asean Work Plan on Securing Communities Against Illicit Drugs (2016–2025) that outlines the region’s activities and initiatives in combating issues of illicit drugs.
The Anti-Drug Abuse Ribbon that symbolises Asean anti-drug efforts was also launched alongside the region’s theme of ‘Securing Asean Community Against Illicit Drugs.’
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