President of India’s message to the Narcotics Control Bureau on the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit trafficking

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee in a message to the Narcotics Control Bureau of India on the occasion of International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (June 26, 2015) has said :-

“I am happy to learn that the world will commemorate the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on 26 June, 2015.

Drug abuse is a psycho-social-medical problem requiring a holistic approach and comprehensive treatment programme. Attention should be focused on enabling addicts become productive members of the society by making them drug free, crime free and gainfully employed. Generating continuous and sustained awareness about the harmful effects of drug abuse is also important. Stress should be on mobilization of community resources and greater community participation. Apart from this, law enforcement agencies should be sensitized to the needs of victims of substance abuse to enable them to be rehabilitated and re-integrated into society.

I extend my best wishes to the Narcotics Control Bureau and other law enforcement agencies on this occasion. I urge all stakeholders to unitedly address the problem of drug abuse in a holistic and sensitive manner.”

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AKT/SH/SBP