Oman
Rehabilitation and Medical Centers
Ibn Sina Hospital
Hospital Specialities:
Provides addiction treatment to those with substance dependencies.
Contact/ Address:
Ibn Sina HospitalWai
Hatat
Al Amarat
119
Muscat
Tel: 24877361
Fax: 24875362
Website: NA
One of few hospitals in Oman that offers addiction treatment for substance abusers. In many cases, first time drug offenders can escape criminal punishment by attending a rehabilitation and treatment programme here.
National Narcotics Control Authorities
Name:
Directorate of Drug Enforcement/ Narcotics Control
Contact/ Address:
Director General of Inquiries & Criminal Investigations
Directorate of Drug Enforcement
Royal Oman Police
P.O. Box 446
Muscat
P.C. 113
Tel: 968 2456 9311 968 2456 9477
Fax: 968 2457 1040
E-mail:dgicid@omantel.net.om
Website:www.rop.gov.om/english/dg_cid.asp
The Directorate of Drug Enforcement (also known as the Directorate of Narcotics Control) is a part of Oman's Directorate General of Inquiries & Criminal Investigations, which itself is the part of the Royal Oman Police and responsible for preventing and investigating criminal acts.
The Directorate of Drug Enforcement is responsible for implementing Oman's national drug control and enforcement strategies. As well as combating illegal drug activity inside Oman, the Directorate works with national and international law enforcement and intelligence agencies to intercept and disrupt drug smuggling in and out of the country, and arrest those involved.
National Narcotics Control Strategies and Security Plans
Name:
Oman National Drug Policy
Type:
Security
Publishing Authority:
Directorate General of Pharmaceutical Affairs and Drug Control
Date:
4th July 2000
Internet Link:
www.moh.gov.om/en/pharma/ndpeng.pdf
Publisher Website:
www.moh.gov.om
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
Governmental / Non-governmental Associations
Al Hayat Association
Type:
Non-governmental
Address & Contact:
NA
Tel: 244 81800 968 00
Fax: 00968 24487814
Email: alhayat@alhayat-om.org
Website: www.alhayat-om.org/
Non-governmental organisation specialising in drug awareness and support for recovering addicts.
Directorate General of Inquiries & Criminal Investigations
Type:
Governmental
Address & Contact:
Directorate General of Inquiries & Criminal Investigations
Royal Oman Police
P.O. Box 446
Muscat
P.C. 113
Tel: +968 2456 9501
Website: www.rop.gov.om/english/dg_cid.asp
The Directorate General of Inquiries & Criminal Investigations, part of the Royal Oman Police, assists in the treatment of individuals with drug addictions and abuse problems.