the war in syria and the drug bomb the war in syria and the drug bomb by dr. ghassan shahrour, md....

The war in Syria and the drug bombThe war in Syria and the drug bomb by Dr. Ghassan Shahrour, MD.

Ghassan Shahrour, MD AHSN 1

MENA Regional Drug Map: Threats


Amphetamine seizures were also on the increase in 2011Amphetamine seizures were also on the increase in 2011, As in previous years, the highest amphetamine seizures were the highest amphetamine seizures were registered registered by Saudi Arabia (11 tons), the Syrian Arab Republic (4 tons) and Jordan (4 tons). Total seizures rose by 55 per cent, from 20 tons in 2010 to 31 tons in Total seizures rose by 55 per cent, from 20 tons in 2010 to 31 tons in 20112011.Near and Middle East seizures account for Near and Middle East seizures account for almost 64 per cent of global almost 64 per cent of global amphetamine seizuresamphetamine seizures. In 2011, significant increases were reported significant increases were reported by Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the Syrian Arab Republic. All the seizures were of Captagon pills.


http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=cXxz_q3WD1mhDM&tbnid=PImpUkpMqep3fM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http://www.choopersguide.com/article/world-drug-report-2013-undoc-drug-trends-and-statistics-global-drug-use-drug-trafficing.html&ei=UptYUtHSLZPC4AO5loCABw&bvm=bv.53899372,d.dmg&psig=AFQjCNG1BC6FJ3taG4tR5wJICCQRBbi75A&ust=1381624899649007

Many countries in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia and the Syrian Arab

Republic, have reported increases in opiate seizures to UNODCincreases in opiate seizures to UNODC. Heroin seizures reported by the Syrian Arab Republic were, on average, over 80 kg during the period 2007 to 2011, compared with only 14 kg in the preceding five-year period; the quantity of heroin seized in Saudi Arabia has also increased since 2007, from an average of 1 kg during the period 2002-2007 to 41 kg in 2008, 56 kg in 2010 and 111 kg in 2011.74.

Finally, large shipments of heroin being trafficked large shipments of heroin being trafficked in containers have been seized in the United Arab Emirates, which is a key node with major ports in Dubai, Khawr Fakkan and Abu Dhabi. In 2011, Dubai authorities seized 130 kg of heroin en route from Pakistan. Limited but non-negligible amounts of cocaine have also been seized in the Syrian Arab Republic, Lebanon and;hence a link between this emerging route and the Near and Middle East cannot hence a link between this emerging route and the Near and Middle East cannot be excludedbe excluded. Ghassan Shahrour, MD AHSN 7

http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=cXxz_q3WD1mhDM&tbnid=PImpUkpMqep3fM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http://www.choopersguide.com/article/world-drug-report-2013-undoc-drug-trends-and-statistics-global-drug-use-drug-trafficing.html&ei=UptYUtHSLZPC4AO5loCABw&bvm=bv.53899372,d.dmg&psig=AFQjCNG1BC6FJ3taG4tR5wJICCQRBbi75A&ust=1381624899649007

MENA Regional Drug Map: ThreatsOther Regional Threat Elements:•Armed conflicts.•Corruption.•Geographical location as a transit area between producing and consuming countries•Refugees and displaced people.•Youth people.•Poverty.•IDU with HIV, hepatitis C, and B.•Wide scale smuggling: weapons, stocks, counterfeit drugs.•Border control challenges.•Demanding markets.•Others…

MENA: Enabling Environment for drug abuse to growMENA: Enabling Environment for drug abuse to grow


UNODC Assistance to overcome threatsUNODC Assistance to overcome threatsThe mission of the office is to support and cooperate with The mission of the office is to support and cooperate with countries to countries to strengthen their response to threats strengthen their response to threats of crime, drugs of crime, drugs and terrorism by:and terrorism by:-Strengthening national policies, institutions and practices in -Strengthening national policies, institutions and practices in response to drugs, crime and terrorism; response to drugs, crime and terrorism; -Promoting regional and international cooperation and -Promoting regional and international cooperation and partnerships to respond more effectively to shared problems in partnerships to respond more effectively to shared problems in crime, drugs and terrorismcrime, drugs and terrorism; -Promoting best practices and evidenced-based policies and Promoting best practices and evidenced-based policies and practices in drug prevention and reduction, through education and practices in drug prevention and reduction, through education and treatment, particularly among the youthtreatment, particularly among the youth;


12

The Catastrophic Human Security Situation in SyriaThe Catastrophic Human Security Situation in Syria

Ghassan Shahrour, MD AHSN

Displaced app: 5 mPoverty line: 9.7 m 2 times 2010UPL: 4.4 m 20 times 2010Unemployment: 48.6% 5 times 20106 m in need of food assistance, WFP, have reached only 2.4 m.

The Catastrophic Human Security Situation in SyriaThe Catastrophic Human Security Situation in Syria


Some Impacts on Health Some Impacts on Health

14

• As of May, 37% of all public hospitals in Syria were no longer functioning, and another 20% were damaged and only partly operational.

• 22 Pharmaceutical Factories and 418 public health centers were destroyed.

• Absence of most medications that were available before.

• About half of Syria’s approximately 30 000 physicians have fled.

• Non-communicable diseases.• More psych-social & economical More psych-social & economical

impacts may lead to more drug impacts may lead to more drug abuse.abuse.

Ghassan Shahrour, MD AHSN

A drug crisis or bomb is growing in Syria • lack or no border control; • Wide scale smuggling;• Growing challenges in running anti-narcotics programs;• Due to the security situation, the number of drug crime cases decreased Due to the security situation, the number of drug crime cases decreased

from 5203 in 2011 to 3359 in 2012. Syrian Ministry of Interior, June 27, from 5203 in 2011 to 3359 in 2012. Syrian Ministry of Interior, June 27, 2013.2013.

15Ghassan Shahrour, MD AHSN

Drug traffickers targeting

Syria through Dubai

July 24, 2012

• The claim comes as officers in Dubai made their fourth discovery since April of traffickers attempting to smuggle the drug through the emirate to the troubled country. "We have definitely witnessed the development of a new trend among drug traffickers whereby they are targeting Syria to take advantage of the lack of security and instability the country is going through," said Major General Abdul Jalil Al Mahdi, the director of the anti-narcotics department at Dubai Police. "Drug traffickers "Drug traffickers always try to invent new routes to escape the always try to invent new routes to escape the grasp of law enforcement authorities... Syria is in grasp of law enforcement authorities... Syria is in a very suitable condition for thema very suitable condition for them," added Maj Gen Al Mahdi. He said drug traffickers were probably using Syria as a transit point on the way to countries such as Lebanon and Turkey.

http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/drug-traffickers-targeting-syria-through-dubai

Drug seizures in the mediaDrug seizures in the mediaLinked to SyriaLinked to Syria


http://www.thenational.ae/

Aug 3 2013, Al-Ramtha Voice, JordanAug 3 2013, Al-Ramtha Voice, Jordan



Drug seizures in the media Drug seizures in the media linked to Syrialinked to SyriaGhassan Shahrour, MD AHSN 19

http://www.alwatan.com.sa/Nation/News_Detail.aspx?ArticleID=162956&CategoryID=3

الحارثي: معيض 1:23 06-10-2013الرياض

أن الدخيل إبراهيم بن خالد الدكتور العقيد األمنية فهد الملك بكلية الدينية الشؤون مدير كشفاستهدفت يتم المملكة التي الكبتاجون حبوب ترويج بعملية سورية في وعصابات جهات من

هناك بهذه تصنيعها وصل األمر أن مؤكدا9 ضخمة، وبكميات الطرق بشتى المملكة إلى وإرسالهاللمملكة إدخالها يريد لمن مادي مقابل أي بدون المخدرات تقدم أن إلى .الجهات



After all those growing threats, factors and After all those growing threats, factors and Media coverages of seizers linked with Syria in Media coverages of seizers linked with Syria in the neighboring countries, the neighboring countries,

What are their impacts on the related UN and What are their impacts on the related UN and regional organizations and institutionsregional organizations and institutions??


A drug crisis or bomb is growing in Syria A drug crisis or bomb is growing in Syria

Statement on International Day against Statement on International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 26 June 2013Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 26 June 2013

http://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/press/releases/2013/June/unodc-executive-director-statement-on-international-day-against-drug-abuse-and-illicit-

trafficking.html

VIENNA, 26 June 2013 - The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking to reflect on the world drug problem.to reflect on the world drug problem.

Based on UNODC's World Drug Report 2013, there appears there appears to be a decline in the use of traditional drugs such as heroin to be a decline in the use of traditional drugs such as heroin and cocaine in some parts of the world, but the use of and cocaine in some parts of the world, but the use of prescription drugs and new psychoactive substances is prescription drugs and new psychoactive substances is growing.growing. No warning or concern about the situation in the region.No warning or concern about the situation in the region.


The 2013 Annual Meeting of UNODC Regional Programme (2011-2015) in the Arab region which was established to respond to evolving threats.

•StressingStressing the importance of regional cooperation.

•To intensifyintensify efforts for strengthening regional cooperation and border control to counter all forms of illicit trafficking into and through the region, particularly, the current challenges posed by increasing trafficking in weapons and ways of countering them.


The 9th International Protection Forum on Drugs Issues , Dubai, UAE June 27 The 9th International Protection Forum on Drugs Issues , Dubai, UAE June 27 - 2013 under the theme of "International Smuggling and Control - 2013 under the theme of "International Smuggling and Control

Mechanisms”Mechanisms”OrganizersOrganizers: UNODC/MENA, UNODC/ GCC, Arab Office on Drugs Affairs/AL,

GCC Criminal Information Center to Combat Drugs

http://www.dubaipolice.gov.ae/dp/jsps/media/news-details.do?newsId=83176


بتأهيل • الخاصة التدريبية الورشوالدورات من مزيد بتأهيل عقد الخاصة التدريبية الورشوالدورات من مزيد عقدوالصحة الجمارك والتفتيشفي الرقابة مجال في والصحة العاملين الجمارك والتفتيشفي الرقابة مجال في ..العاملين

وضع • ضرورة إلى العربية بالدول التشريعية األجهزة وضع دعوة ضرورة إلى العربية بالدول التشريعية األجهزة دعوةمع للتعامل الالزمة بالمرونة تمتاز قانونية مع نصوصتشريعية للتعامل الالزمة بالمرونة تمتاز قانونية نصوصتشريعية. الدولي التهريب قضايا في المستمرة والتطورات .التحديات الدولي التهريب قضايا في المستمرة والتطورات التحديات

إلى • العربية الدول في المخدرات مكافحة أجهزة إلى دعوة العربية الدول في المخدرات مكافحة أجهزة دعوةالتهريب مكافحة مجال في متخصصة إدارية وحدات التهريب استحداث مكافحة مجال في متخصصة إدارية وحدات استحداث

لتأهيل الالزمة والتأهيلية التدريبية الخطط إيجاد مع لتأهيل الدولي الالزمة والتأهيلية التدريبية الخطط إيجاد مع الدوليالعاملينالعاملين

الجنائية • المعلومات مركز مع التعاون لتعزيز المعنيين الجنائية دعوة المعلومات مركز مع التعاون لتعزيز المعنيين دعوة. الخليجي التعاون مجلس لدول المخدرات .لمكافحة الخليجي التعاون مجلس لدول المخدرات لمكافحة

والجريمة • بالمخدرات المعني المتحدة األمم مكتب والجريمة مطالبة بالمخدرات المعني المتحدة األمم مكتب مطالبةيعنى برنامج تطوير على معا للعمل الدولي حماية يعنى وبرنامج برنامج تطوير على معا للعمل الدولي حماية وبرنامج

والجهات المخدرات مكافحة أجهزة في العاملين قدرات والجهات بتطوير المخدرات مكافحة أجهزة في العاملين قدرات بتطوير. اإللكتروني التهريب بمخاطر وتعريفهم .المعنية اإللكتروني التهريب بمخاطر وتعريفهم المعنية

ملتقى • تنفيذ في االستمرار إلى الدولي حماية برنامج ملتقى دعوة تنفيذ في االستمرار إلى الدولي حماية برنامج دعوة. العربية الدول بين تدويره وتباحث السنوي الدولي .حماية العربية الدول بين تدويره وتباحث السنوي الدولي حماية

http://www.dubaipolice.gov.ae/dp/jsps/media/news-details.do?newsId=83176

Ghassan Shahrour, MD AHSN27

NothingNothing specificspecific aboutabout SyriaSyriaNoNonono

27th Arab Conference of Drug Control Authorities27th Arab Conference of Drug Control AuthoritiesOct 30-31, 2013 in Tunis Oct 30-31, 2013 in Tunis

Arab Interior Ministers CouncilArab Interior Ministers Council


The conflict in Syria has ignited growing drug crisis affecting the The conflict in Syria has ignited growing drug crisis affecting the people in Syria and the region. people in Syria and the region. The following were reviewedThe following were reviewed:

•WDR 2013.WDR 2013.•Statement on International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Statement on International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking,2013.Trafficking,2013.•The 9th International Protection Forum on Drugs Issues , Dubai, UAE The 9th International Protection Forum on Drugs Issues , Dubai, UAE June 27 - 2013 under the theme of "International Smuggling and June 27 - 2013 under the theme of "International Smuggling and Control Mechanisms”.Control Mechanisms”.•The Steering and Follow-up Committee of the UNODC Regional The Steering and Follow-up Committee of the UNODC Regional Programme in the Arab region in 2013 in cooperation with LAS. Programme in the Arab region in 2013 in cooperation with LAS. • 27th Arab Conference of Drug Control Authorities, Oct 30-31, 2013 in 27th Arab Conference of Drug Control Authorities, Oct 30-31, 2013 in Tunis Tunis

ConclusionsConclusions


It was found:It was found:• No specific action or contingency plan or specific program or No specific action or contingency plan or specific program or significant activities were conducted on drug crisis in the fields of significant activities were conducted on drug crisis in the fields of prevention, monitoring and intervention in the region linked with prevention, monitoring and intervention in the region linked with the brutal conflict in Syria.the brutal conflict in Syria.• Also no significant community awareness prog to educate Syrians Also no significant community awareness prog to educate Syrians inside and outside Syria as well as the refugee hosting countries.inside and outside Syria as well as the refugee hosting countries.• Also, No Intervention with the conflict stakeholders on the Also, No Intervention with the conflict stakeholders on the growing drug bomb and its disastrous human security impacts on growing drug bomb and its disastrous human security impacts on the people of the region.the people of the region.

ConclusionsConclusions


RecommendationsRecommendations• Urgent and comprehensive plan of actions at all levels has been Urgent and comprehensive plan of actions at all levels has been

needed to tackle the growing drug crisis in the region that is needed to tackle the growing drug crisis in the region that is devastatingly growing after the brutal conflict in Syria. devastatingly growing after the brutal conflict in Syria.

Regional organizations on drug and UNODC are urged to adopt such Regional organizations on drug and UNODC are urged to adopt such action plan that lead to early detection, intervention, monitoring and action plan that lead to early detection, intervention, monitoring and evaluation includes specific actions, establishment of working group, evaluation includes specific actions, establishment of working group, awareness raising, training, refugee community participation, media awareness raising, training, refugee community participation, media and social media programs targeting the public inside Syria and in and social media programs targeting the public inside Syria and in neighboring countries;neighboring countries;

• Involvement of civil society and voluntary orgs in the region.Involvement of civil society and voluntary orgs in the region.• Involvement the state and non state actors on the issue putting Involvement the state and non state actors on the issue putting

people’s future first.people’s future first.• Calling UNODC to put the issue (the drug bomb) on the Agenda of the Calling UNODC to put the issue (the drug bomb) on the Agenda of the

high-level review meeting of the Political Declaration and Plan of high-level review meeting of the Political Declaration and Plan of Action that will be conducted by the Commission on Narcotic Drugs in Action that will be conducted by the Commission on Narcotic Drugs in 2014. 2014.


the war in syria and the drug bomb the war in syria and the drug bomb by dr. ghassan shahrour, md....

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