Madinah governor inaugurates anti-drugs youth forum

Madinah Gov. Prince Faisal bin Salman on Monday inaugurated a nine-day youth forum on narcotics control.

The director general of drug control in the Kingdom, Maj. Gen. Ahmad Saadi Al-Zahrani, and representatives from government and non-governmental religious, cultural and social bodies attended the inauguration.

The prince also opened an exhibition that will run concurrently with the forum to create awareness about the dangerous effects of drugs. He was briefed on the services and products displayed at the exhibition.

The Kingdom is waging a fierce battle against drug-smugglers, Al-Zahrani said, adding that anyone who deals drugs or supports dealers will be severely punished under local regulations. Capital punishment is given to drug-dealers.

Awareness programs on the dangers of drugs are conducted regularly among students in cooperation with the Education Ministry, he said.

At the end of the inauguration, the prince honored sponsors with awards in recognition of their cooperation in the fight against drugs.