Muscat: With residents in Oman getting into the mood of festivities, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) has decided to tighten their vigil against the use of firecrackers and firearms.
"Children continue to use the fireworks especially during celebrations," a spokesperson for the ROP told Gulf News. He held parents responsible for children using fireworks during Eid celebrations.
"Perhaps the indulgence by parents needs to be checked," he said, adding that parents must show responsibility and admonish children from using firecrackers.
He said that the police will deal sternly against those bursting firecrackers and also against those trying to smuggle firecrackers into the country.
Violators may be fined up to 300 riyals and get a three-month prison term.
"Those caught smuggling or using firecrackers will not be released even on bail and will remain in police detention until they are tried," said the ROP spokesperson.
"We have had some cases of people trying to smuggle in firecrackers during last Eid celebrations. The suspects were referred to the public prosecution," he revealed.
He also said that possession of fireworks or attempt to smuggle fireworks is punishable by imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years and a fine not exceeding 3000 Omani Rials.
"There is a provision to double these penalties if the offender has repeated the act," he pointed out.
The ROP spokesperson also said that in the recent past firing in the air during joyous occasions has been noticed.
"People fire at public places during celebrations to brag about their possession of firearms," he said.
"Citizens continue to use firearms during celebrations despite police warnings," he said.
He pointed out that those licensed to carry firearms are bound by a clause not to use their arms in places inhabited or intended for inhabitation.
