Facts and stats

• Oman is not currently a notable producer of drugs, or a significant transit country for international trade in narcotics and other illicit substances.
• Drug abuse is reportedly more common in urban and coastal areas than in rural inland regions.
• According to the World Health Organisation, the age range for first-time drug use in Oman is usually between 17 and 20 years old.
• The population of Oman is a little over three million, including 577,293 foreign nationals.
• According to official figures, in 2006 42.7% of substance abusers were alcoholics.
• 14.5% had opiate addictions.
• 3.1% were abusing Cannabis.
• A few instances of abuse of other drugs such as Cocaine, Khat and Amphetamine have been officially reported.
• The same figures suggest that most drug users are relatively young – aged between 21 and 30. This age range accounted for 46% of substance abuse in the country.
• According to figures from the government of Oman, the number of people with substance addictions has risen sharply in recent years. In 2008 there were a reported 1,826 drug addicts in the country, including 1,345 who were officially registered with the Ibn Sina Hospital.
• In 2006, the number of injecting drug users in Oman was estimated at 290. Of these, Heroin was the most prevalent injectable drug.
• In 2007 there were reportedly 820 individuals with opiate addictions in the country.
• In the capital city, Muscat, police authorities have blamed increases in theft on drug addicts.
• According to official government statistics, drug abuse is mainly a male activity, with females accounting for less than 1% of substance abuse.
• Since 1999, criminal charges have been dropped against first-time drug abusers, if they enter and continue treatment programmes. Repeat offences are punished with a prison sentence.
• 7. Most common names