Damascus, June 27 (SANA)Justice MinisterMazhar al-Waissaid on Saturday that Syria will take a firm approach to combating drug trafficking and promotion, describing the fight against narcotics as a national responsibility that allows “no leniency.”

In a post on X marking the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, al-Wais said the Justice Ministry would pursue the toughest penalties available against those involved in drug-related crimes.

“Combating this scourge is a national responsibility in which there is no leniency,” he said. “We will deal firmly with the crimes of drug trafficking and promotion, and we are working to impose the harshest penalties on those involved to protect society and safeguard its security.”

His remarks came a day after the Interior and Health Ministries launched the National Campaign to Combat Drugs and Treat Addiction under the patronage of President Ahmad al-Sharaa.

The campaign, launched at the Damascus Conference Palace under the slogan “Drug-Free Syria,” coincided with the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, observed annually on June 26.