20,055 drug-related cases recorded in 2020 — PSD report

AMMAN  —  There was a significant increase in the total number of drug abuse in Jordan during 2020, according to figures published by the Public Security Directorate’s Criminal Information Department covering the period from 2016 to 2020. 

The department recorded 3,937 cases of drug trafficking in addition to 1,6118 cases of possession and use, adding up to a total of 20,055 drug-related cases in Jordan in 2020, according to a statement made available to The Jordan Times.

June 26 marks the international day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking (IDADAIT) established by the United Nations, according to the UN website.

IDADAIT is celebrated every year to raise awareness of the major problem that illicit drugs represent to society, and supported internationally by various organisations, communities and individuals all over the world, according to the world drug report released by the UN office on drugs and crime.

The theme of this year is “Share facts on drugs, save lives”.

 “The COVID-19 pandemic fuelled significant increase in drug use worldwide,” according the report published on the UN website.

The report also added that nearly 275 million people used drugs worldwide in 2020.

According to a statement published by SIGI-Jordan, a local NGO, drug abuse increased different types of violence against females in Jordan.

It also added that women who consume drugs are two to five times more likely to be abused than women who do not consume drugs.

The statement also added that female drug abusers pose various kinds of problems impacting their families and community. It negatively affects their social, familial and economic health.

Female drug dealers and abusers are more likely to be physically, psychologically and sexually abused. Women who come from families suffering from disintegration, poverty and unemployment are more likely to consume or deal with drugs, according to the SIGI report.

The government together with civil society institutions have to raise awareness on drugs and the legal, social and health consequences of dealing and consuming them for both individuals and their families, it said.