ROP warns against use of fireworks, firearms during Eid Al Fitr

Muscat: The Oman Customs and the Royal Oman Police have warned the public about the dangers of fireworks.
“Given the advent of Eid Al Fitr and the accompanying phenomenon of launching firecrackers with a danger to public safety, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) announces that a tight control has been imposed on all official ports to curb any attempts to smuggle firecrackers,” the ROP announcement stated.
Two attempts to smuggle firecrackers via Al Wjajah and Kutmat Mullaha border points were thwarted by the ROP.
The vehicles used to smuggle the crackers were also confiscated and the accused have been referred to the judicial authorities for a further investigation and trial.
An official at the ROP has warned the public about the dangers of promoting and using firecrackers.
“ROP will also pursue all the persons who smuggle firecrackers or sell them in the Sultanate and will take all legal procedures against them, including bringing them to competent courts,” he said. He urged parents to monitor their children and keep them away from playing with fireworks and firecrackers, and not to let them play alone on public streets.
All police stations are always ready and continue to communicate with the public to help them, he said.
The ROP is also asking all parents to provide advice and guidance to their children about the dangers of using firecrackers.
According to Oman Customs, fireworks and firecrackers can harm children and adults in a variety of ways.
Burnt skin, loss of hearing, and eye problems are some of the injuries that can be caused by fireworks.
Moreover, the ROP warned the public about the dangers of firing weapons to celebrate Eid by stressing on the importance of the safety of their families, adding that such actions could turn a moment of rejoicing during holidays into one marked with sadness and mourning.
“Firing of weapons during Eid is completely banned whether the weapon is licenced or not,” the official stressed.
He added that firing weapons during celebrations often causes deaths or injuries.
According to the Weapons and Ammunition Law, Article 25, “There will be a fine imposed on those who use firearms without being in distress or set off firecrackers or fire rockets or ignite fires and explosions in the neighbourhood or areas nearby, or on a public street, or towards a public street without a licence from the police.”
Violators of this law can be imprisoned for up to three months, with punishment being harsher if any injuries or deaths are caused by the violation.