Bahrain does not have "secret" drug labs, said a top official, adding that drug related crimes in the country were lower compared with international levels.

"After years of strict control of illicit drug activities, drug dealers have developed secret labs to make illicit drugs from basic chemical materials," Public Security Chief Major-General Tariq Al Hassan was quoted as saying in the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

"Those high-tech labs are handled by highly skilled chemists and pharmacists. Drug crime rates in Bahrain are low compared with international levels and the police work covers all aspects to protect society from the threats of illicit drugs."

He maintained that Bahrain has "no such secret labs", although all measures are being taken to "prevent the development of similar laboratories."

He was speaking yesterday during the opening of a workshop, called Enhancing Chemical Industry-Government Co-operation Through Partnership: Developing a Voluntary Code of Practice to Prevent Precursor on Chemical Diversion.

The three-day event is being organised by the Royal Academy of Police (RAP) in association with the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) at the Crowne Plaza Bahrain.

It is being attended by representatives and experts from 18 countries.

Maj Gen Al Hassan also highlighted the success of Bahrain's Anti-narcotic Directorate, in co-operation with their Saudi counterparts, in foiling a smuggling operation involving 22 million Captagon tablets worth $300 million.

The workshop follows several UN reports on the increase of the use of chemical substances in the making of illicit drugs.

Maj Gen Al Hassan said that illicit drugs problems have increased globally with the development of new and dangerous drugs along with the use of chemicals.

"Bahrain is keen to join international agreements in fighting drug crimes," he added.

He further stressed the importance of modern science and technology to deter new security challenges

INCB representative Ronan O'Laoire also highlighted the importance of finding practical ways to enhance co-operation between governments and chemical industries to overcome the dynamic challenges involving precursors controls. – TradeArabia News Service