Alarming Rise In Drug Abuse Among Brunei Youths
By Wan Firdaus

Bandar Seri Begawan - Narcotics Bureau statistics stated that from 1998 to last year, 89 secondary students were arrested for drug related activities in Brunei. From that total, 67 were aged 16 to 20. Fifty-eight were tested drug positive while the others were apprehended for the misuse of inhalants.

There has therefore been an alarming rise in drug abuse, especially among youths.

This was highlighted yesterday at a forum discussing topics against the misuse of drugs.

The forum was organised by a school, together with the Promotion and Health Education Unit, Ministry of Health.

Panel members comprised of representatives from various departments. The Narcotics Bureau, Prisons Department, Public Relations, Rumah Al-Islah and the Health Unit from the Ministry of Education, were all present to give different views concerning the social problem of drug abuse.

The forum's topic; "Pelajar Cemerlang Negara Gemilang Tanpa Dadah" was discussed in detail. This was followed by discussions about drug abuse among youths, especially students and the implications resulting from the misuse of drugs.

Most criminal activities, in one way or another, were usually related to drugs. Theft, even murder could be caused by drug addiction.

The Health and Promotion Unit also highlighted the health hazards associated with drug abuse, symptoms of drug addiction and the ill effects of short term and long term use of drugs.

The forum concluded with a caning demo, serving as a grim reminder to students not to be involved in illegal drug activities.

Caning is just one of many sentences that can be imposed on those found guilty for drug related activities. (Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin)

Brudirect.com