BAHRAIN IMPOSES TOUGHER PENALTIES AGAINST

USE OF METHAMPHETAMINE HYDROCHLORIDE

18 October 2007 – Philippine Ambassador to Manama Eduardo Pablo M. Maglaya reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that the Kingdom of Bahrain has publicly announced that tougher penalties would be meted out to users/dealers of methamphetamine hydrochloride (also known as meth, speed, or shabu).

The Government of Bahrain amended on 16 August its list of high category dangerous drugs to include methamphetamine hydrochloride.  Anyone caught with the illegal drug could face prohibitive fines and sentences of up to life in prison.

Southeast Asians were identified as those who, by way of smuggling, introduced the illegal drug in Bahrain some five years ago.  Over the past few years, several Filipinos were caught for shabu trafficking.  Recently, a Filipino national was arrested for selling shabu in a sting operation.

Filipinos entering Bahrain are advised to be wary of packages that are sent through them as these may contain illegal drugs.  END

/esgret