*Supporting documents to prove need for consumption must be readily available
The patient should be carrying the drugs himself and should be committed to prove that these medications are only for his personal use and he is personally responsible for carrying them. People should never carry such medications or substances for others while travelling.
Those carrying prescription psychiatric drugs and medications while entering or exiting the country should have a valid detailed medical prescription and report issued by authorised entities indicating the name of the patient, his medical condition, and the commercial and scientific name of the drugs, First Lieutenant Abdullah Qassim, media and awareness section officer at the Drug Enforcement Department at the Ministry of Interior (MoI), has said.
Speaking at a webinar on "Drugs and Methods of Prevention" held yesterday through Zoom app, First Lieutenant Qassim stressed that such a report should not be older than six months. Besides, the patient should be carrying the drugs himself and should be committed to make sure that these medications are only for his personal use and he is personally responsible for carrying them. He also stressed that people should never carry such medications or substances for others while travelling, as they are considered personal only and the person would be held accountable according to the law for what he carries either while exiting or entering the country.
He further explained that the United Nations has issued the lists of illicit drugs, materials and narcotics and these are available at all the exit and entry points across the world.
The webinar was organised by the MoI General Directorate of Drug Enforcement on the occasion of "The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2021" with the participation of more than 300 persons including HR, safety and security officers from various organisations and entities across the country.
First Lieutenant Qassim briefed the participants on the various stipulations of Law No. 9 of 1987 on the Control and Regulation of Narcotic Drugs and Dangerous Psychotropic Substances (NDDPS), and the various penalties for the related crimes and violations. He further stressed that in case of doubt whether the medications a person intends to carry are permitted in Qatar or not, he should inquire from the concerned health centers and entities and refer to Al Meezan website, Qatar Legal Portal, to review the list of banned medications to avoid trouble at ports of entry and exit, as the penalties could include hefty fines and jail sentences.
He said that people can also get correct advice about certain medications from the department concerned at Hamad Medical Corporation.
Talking about the misuse and abuse of prescription drugs by some persons, especially some vulnerable categories of young people that include spoiled children, those suffering from repetitive failures and disappointments and youngsters who are given plenty of money and have plentiful free time among others, he advised parents and guardians to watch for signs of possible drug addiction. "These include sudden and unexplained mood swings, lethargy, being always in need of money for no clear reasons, paleness, possession of strange tools, absentmindedness and the presence of some strange marks on the body. Such sudden and strange behavioral and physical changes should be considered as warning for parents to take quick action."
He further stressed that the law in Qatar has guaranteed full protection to the addicts who give up themselves for treatment voluntarily, so they would not be legally prosecuted. The country has adequate number of sophisticated and well-equipped centers for the treatment and rehabilitation of the addicts and the victims of drug abuse.
Regarding the online trade and the goods that arrive in Qatar from abroad through online purchases, he said that these are closely monitored and regulated by a good number of related entities who cooperate and coordinate among them to guarantee the protection, health, safety and security of the people and the country.
Further, he said that people should not hesitate to contact the Drug Enforcement Department to report any suspicious related actions or conduct as their confidentiality is fully protected.
He further explained that the United Nations has issued the lists of illicit drugs, materials and narcotics and these are available at all the exit and entry points across the world.
The webinar was organised by the MoI General Directorate of Drug Enforcement on the occasion of "The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2021" with the participation of more than 300 persons including HR, safety and security officers from various organisations and entities across the country.
First Lieutenant Qassim briefed the participants on the various stipulations of Law No. 9 of 1987 on the Control and Regulation of Narcotic Drugs and Dangerous Psychotropic Substances (NDDPS), and the various penalties for the related crimes and violations. He further stressed that in case of doubt whether the medications a person intends to carry are permitted in Qatar or not, he should inquire from the concerned health centers and entities and refer to Al Meezan website, Qatar Legal Portal, to review the list of banned medications to avoid trouble at ports of entry and exit, as the penalties could include hefty fines and jail sentences.
He said that people can also get correct advice about certain medications from the department concerned at Hamad Medical Corporation.
Talking about the misuse and abuse of prescription drugs by some persons, especially some vulnerable categories of young people that include spoiled children, those suffering from repetitive failures and disappointments and youngsters who are given plenty of money and have plentiful free time among others, he advised parents and guardians to watch for signs of possible drug addiction. "These include sudden and unexplained mood swings, lethargy, being always in need of money for no clear reasons, paleness, possession of strange tools, absentmindedness and the presence of some strange marks on the body. Such sudden and strange behavioral and physical changes should be considered as warning for parents to take quick action."
He further stressed that the law in Qatar has guaranteed full protection to the addicts who give up themselves for treatment voluntarily, so they would not be legally prosecuted. The country has adequate number of sophisticated and well-equipped centers for the treatment and rehabilitation of the addicts and the victims of drug abuse.
Regarding the online trade and the goods that arrive in Qatar from abroad through online purchases, he said that these are closely monitored and regulated by a good number of related entities who cooperate and coordinate among them to guarantee the protection, health, safety and security of the people and the country.
Further, he said that people should not hesitate to contact the Drug Enforcement Department to report any suspicious related actions or conduct as their confidentiality is fully protected.