Bhutan marked the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, which is observed on June 26 every year, in Paro this time.
Given the growing problem of drug abuse among the youth, the day was observed with the theme, “Listening to Children and Youth is the First Step to Help Them Grow Healthy and Safe”.
According to the World Drug Report 2016 by the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC), about 29 million people around the world suffer from drug use disorders. The Bhutanese are no exception.
Drugs, alcohol and other controlled substances affect individuals and families in the country.
“When we consume drugs, families break down and problems arise. Observing the day helps in raising public awareness on the dangers associated with drug use,” Chimmi Dorji, the Deputy Chief Program Officer of Bhutan Narcotics Control Authority, said.
The Bhutan Narcotics Control Authority (BNCA), as a nodal agency, is collaborating with other stakeholders to fight against rising drug abuse among the youth.
“We are now treating drug abuse as a disease. Whenever we see people abusing drugs, we send them to our treatment assessment panel,” the Deputy Chief Program Officer Chimmi Dorji said.
“Illicit traffickers are criminal in nature, so we catch hold of them.”
As a part of the day celebration, the participants uprooted marijuana and went on a door-to-door campaign in the main town.
The UN General Assembly, in 1987, decided to observe the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking day on June 26 every year.
