Dimapur, June 25 (EMN): On the occasion of International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, observed annually on June 26, Governor PB Acharya has reiterated the urgency to tackle this menace afflicting the society.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the governor asserted the importance of this day for raising “awareness to fight against substance abuse as well as unlawful trade of drugs."
The use of drugs is known to cause various health problems such as HIV, hepatitis, tuberculosis and may lead to other consequences "in the form of economic loss, antisocial behaviour such as stealing, violence and crime besides social stigma and overall downfall of the society," it stated.
Acharya said the role of the family, schools, civil society and religious organisations are an integral towards raising "awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and narcotics.”
"Governments have a responsibility to counteract both drug trafficking and drug abuse. Communities can also make a major contribution. International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was first observed by the UN General Assembly in 1987. According to World Drug Report 2017, around 29.5 million people or 0.6% of the global adult population suffer from drug use disorders, including dependence,” it informed.
