Booklet ‘Drug Abuse Prevention Guide’ released on the eve of Int’l Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

Bilal Bashir Bhat
Srinagar, Jun 26 (KNB): To observe the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking a simple but an impressive function was organized by J&K State Aids Control Society, Department of Health and Medical Education at Institute of Hotel Management.
Besides others Director Health Services Kashmir Dr. Saleem ur Rehman, Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad Rather, Project Director JKSACS, Dr. Amit Wanchoo, Dr. Tabasum Jabeen
(Dy. Director JKSACS) and Imtiyaz Ahmad Chesti were also present on the occasion.



The speakers on the occasion said despite continued and increased efforts, illicit drugs continue to pose a threat to the health of human society, he said and appealed all to join hands and say no to drugs and make Kashmir an illicit drug free District.
On the occasion, a 32 page booklet titled ‘Drug Abuse Prevention Guide’ was released by Centre for Youth Development.
Speaking as the chief guest, Dr Saleem ur Rehman said that the observation was important for everyone as drug abuse and trafficking affect each and every individual in the society.
The speakers called for a strong punishment to deter drug abuses and smuggling and asked all to report to the authorities concerned if they came across areas in the district where poppy plantations are done and stressed upon general public to come forward to curb the menace.
As a token of appreciation of their commitment towards the cause of Drug De Addiction mementoes were presented to the dignitaries on behalf of J&K State AIDS Control Society. Mementoes and certificates were also distributed among the Peer Educators working in different Targeted Intervention Projects of JKSACS. Representatives of various Targeted Intervention Projects (NGOs) working in the field of Intravenous Drug Use (IDU) also spoke on the occasion.



Pertinently, the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is a United Nations International Day against drug abuse and the illegal drug trade. It is observed annually on 26 June, since 1989, a date chosen to commemorate Lin Zexu’s dismantling of the opium trade in Humen, Guangdong, just before the First Opium War in China. The observance was instituted by General Assembly Resolution 42/112 of 7 December 1987. It is often referred to by Anti-Drug campaigners as 6/26. A play on Marijuana smokers “4/20” day to celebrate cannabis. The UN’s 2007 World Drug Report puts the value of the illegal drug trade at US$322 billion a year. The theme for the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (2018) is “Listen First”. (KNB)