More arrests as police intensify drug chase

In May last, seven arrests were made in Al Wusta and Dhofar governorates and recovered captagon pills and bundles of khat. “The accused have been referred to Public Prosecution for necessary legal action,” the ROP said .

Oman’s Narcotics and Psychotropic Drugs law stipulate stiffer penalties, including death and life sentence for peddling and smuggling of drugs.

According to Article 43 of the law, which was amended in 2015, drug abusers can receive up to three years imprisonment, a maximum fine of RO 3,000 or death sentence While releasing the details of the arrest, the ROP asked both the citizens and residents to pass on information on drug related cases to the police.

“To combat drug abuse in the Sultanate, citizens and residents are urged to cooperate with police by sharing information that can help trace cases of drug smugglers and traffickers”, the ROP said.

According to Article 64, any person concealing information on or access to the drugs’ consignment from authorities concerned will be jailed between six months and three years and imposed a fine of minimum RO 100 but not more than RO 1,000.

At the same time, drug abusers can avoid prosecution if they seek treatment at a rehabilitation centre, provided they are not caught redhanded and no criminal suit is already filed against them.

Rehabilitation can either be sought by the addict or on the request of spouse or kin.