In the nineties, the Jordanian society eagerly awaited with caution the release of the weekly "Shihaan" newspaper, to read the details of the "crime of the month". Back then, crime was an exceptional event that filled the Jordanian gatherings for weeks, even a case like "Abu Shakoush" remained the talk of the town for a full year. Today, however, the scene has completely changed; we no longer ask "Has a crime occurred?" but rather "What are the details of the new crime?" and often, behind the curtain lies a single fearsome hero, drugs.
Official statistics for the period between (2020 - 2024) reveal a shocking reality that goes beyond "isolated cases". We are talking about 105,727 drug crimes in just five years. This rising curve is concerning; from 20,000 crimes in 2020, the number jumped to more than 25,000 crimes in 2024.
These numbers are not just ink on paper, but a reflection of a dangerous shift in the structure of society; Jordan, which was classified for decades as a "transit country", faces the challenge today of becoming a "hub" for consumption, with direct targeting of young age groups in schools and universities.
From traditional crime to "composite crimes"
The difference between the crimes of "Shihaan's era" and today's crimes lies in their "nature". Drugs, especially "synthetic" ones like crystal meth and joker, have turned the user into a "ticking time bomb". Crime is no longer just a personal dispute, but has become "composite crimes"; where the addict commits theft to fund his dose, or slips towards "crimes of unconsciousness" that translate into unprecedented brutality against families and assets, as happened yesterday due to hallucinations and complete detachment from reality.
The exorbitant cost beyond security
The effects do not stop at the courtrooms; society pays a harsh price from its health security and economy. The health system today faces massive pressure to deal with the consequences of addiction, while families suffer from social disintegration and psychological wounds that do not heal. Drugs not only destroy an individual's mind, but also eat away at the bonds that unite society, and replace tranquility with a state of permanent suspicion.
An existential battle: What to do?
Facing this dark tide is no longer the sole responsibility of the Anti-Drug Department, but an existential battle that requires a comprehensive national approach
We as Jordanian families must realize that the "disgrace" is not in asking for treatment, but in covering up for the addict until a catastrophe occurs. Early reporting is "the highest form of care," and treating the user in its early stages as a victim who needs treatment is the first step to rescue. We need to expand the umbrella of national rehabilitation centers and develop programs for integrating the recovered, while striking with an iron fist at the heads of promoters and death dealers.
And with digital preventive security in an open cyberspace, the dealer has reached into our children's bedrooms. Awareness today begins with an honest dialogue between parents and children to close the emotional gaps that promoters exploit.
The terrifying leap in crime numbers rings the last alarm bell. We are not just fighting drugs, but a scheme that targets "the Jordanian mind". If we do not unite today to raise awareness and fortify the internal front, tomorrow we will find no one to build this nation. The time has come to move from shock at the news to firmness in confrontation.
