Drug-related cases increased by 25% in 2023 — AND

AMMAN — Anti-Narcotics Department's (AND) Director Hassan Qudah, said on Saturday that approximately 23,000 drug-related cases were recorded in Jordan in 2023, involving more than 35,000 individuals, with about 13,000 apprehended for drug trafficking or distribution.

Qudah also noted a significant increase in drug cases and involved individuals in 2023, rising by 25 per cent and 29 per cent respectively compared with the previous year, according to Al Mamlaka TV.

Qudah also said that the seized quantities of drugs in 2023 in cooperation with the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army (JAF), customs, and other security agencies are approximately 6,200 kilogrammes of hashish, 6.5 kilogrammes of heroin, around 19 million Captagon pills, 141.5 kilogrammes of cocaine, 15 kilogrammes of Joker powder, and about 70.5 kilograms of crystal meth.

Qudah also outlined the national strategy for drug prevention for 2024-2026, launched by the Public Security Directorate (PSD) under the patronage of its Director, Maj. Gen. Obaidallah Maaytah. The strategy encourages those struggling with addiction to seek treatment, adding that treatment is free and confidential, and those who voluntarily seek it are exempted from legal responsibility under the drug control law.

Maaytah recently reiterated the Royal directives to combat the drug scourge scientifically and practically. He also stressed the need for cooperation among all relevant ministries and institutions to protect society and foster a culture that rejects drugs and associated crimes. 

The strategy, he said, is an extension of continuous Royal directives calling for national coordination in combating drugs. This has prompted the PSD to partner effectively with all official and civil institutions in the Kingdom to implement a range of activities and events aimed at safeguarding society from the harms of drugs.