June 06, 2015

June 26 is the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1987, this day serves as a reminder of the goals agreed to by Member States of creating an international society free of drug abuse. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) selects themes for the International Day and launches campaigns to raise awareness about the global drug problem. It is a unique occasion to take a stand against a problem that affects us all.

The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is being observed in Bangladesh like elsewhere in the world today. Different organizations in home and abroad have taken elaborate programs to mark the day. KPL has actively partcipated in the awareness building campaign arranged and co-ordinated by Department of Narcotics Control of Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt. of Peoples Republic of Bangladesh.

Investigations reveal that:
(i) around 210 million people, or 4.8% of the population aged 15-64, took illicit substances at least once in 2010
(ii) cannabis users comprised the largest number of illicit drug users in 2010 (129-190 million people)
(iii) in 2007 and 2008, some 16 to 17 million people used cocaine worldwide, and
(iv) in 2008, global heroin seizures reached a record level of 73.7 metric tons.