On International Day Against Drug Abuse, which falls on June 26 each year, Jordan, like other countries in the region, continues to face multiple challenges exacerbated by security crises and conflicts over the past decade. These new tensions among conflicting forces have magnified longstanding dangers such as terrorism and drug smuggling.
The threat of drugs, particularly smuggling, has become a significant security and social challenge for Jordan and the region. The country is incurring humanitarian, material, and military costs in a war that aims to destabilize Jordan and neighboring countries, undermining the foundations of their societies with this poison.
Due to the region´s geopolitical transformations over the past two decades, Jordan’s strategic location has attracted significant attention from regional powers. This has prompted Jordan to increase border security measures and restrictions. The armed forces and border guards have implemented new rules of engagement in response to the rise in smuggling operations.
Jordan in the Heart of a Burning Region!
Official government and security services figures on operations to combat drug trafficking reveal the seriousness of this security challenge for Jordan, especially when compared to the period of stability in Iraq and Syria before the so-called Arab Spring and the subsequent deterioration of the security situation there.
In 2024, drug arrests have continued unabated. Most recently, the Public Security Directorate announced at the beginning of June that it had thwarted two smuggling operations involving about 9.5 million narcotic pills and 143 kg of hashish destined for a neighboring country through a border crossing. Both operations resulted in the capture of the gang members involved.
In addition to significant security and military efforts to combat the drug epidemic coming from the east and north, Jordan is coordinating efforts and cooperating with the governments of neighboring countries, including Syria and Iraq. This cooperation involves exchanging intelligence information to dry up drug sources, besiege gangs, and restrict their trade.
A National Role Carrying the Banner of Support
Continuing its joint efforts and ongoing cooperation, the National Alliance for Combating Narcotics in Jordan was established in 2021 by the Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD) and a group of civil society organizations, social and legal activists, experts, specialists, and media professionals. This alliance contributes to strengthening drug awareness and prevention efforts, integrating them within humanitarian response efforts, especially during crises.
Since its inception, the coalition has become a member of the National Committee to Combat Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances in Jordan and a major participant in developing the national drug prevention and awareness strategy. In partnership with official and civil society organizations, it has focused on highlighting issues and proposing recommendations to enhance drug awareness and prevention. This includes training institutions to protect society, especially refugee communities and young people, from being deceived and victimized, and supporting their families.
The alliance also bolstered advocacy and awareness efforts through various field visits to institutions and centers concerned with drug issues and the northeastern border. It emphasizes renewing cooperation between all parties, building trust, raising institutional awareness, and providing comprehensive services (social, legal, and health) to combat the dangers of drugs.
The Evidence is Clear: Let’s Invest in Prevention
On the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, with this year’s slogan being “Invest in Prevention,” we must work together to achieve a world free of drug abuse. This year’s campaign recognizes that effective drug policies must be based on science, research, full respect for human rights, compassion, and a deep understanding of the social, economic, and health impacts of drug use.
Drugs disrupt the lives of young people and users, not to mention the budgets and costs required for addiction treatment. Additionally, the spread of drugs is linked to high crime rates and serious social problems. Therefore, there is a pressing need to invest in prevention and redouble efforts to combat the drug problem through training those working in this field, and enhancing the awareness-raising role of families, schools, and universities to avoid the influence of psychotropic substances.
Comprehensive measures are essential in confronting drug smuggling, tightening penalties against promoters, and ensuring the psychological and spiritual rehabilitation of addicts, as well as providing subsequent care for them.
