Addressing Drug Challenges: World Drug Day observed in Yangon Region

To mark the 35th International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, a ceremony to destroy the seized Narcotic Drugs, Precursor and Paraphernalias was held in Yangon on 26th June. Kyi Lei Lei Aung has more.

The international Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking has been observed every year on 26th June, with the aims of fostering action and cooperation in achieving a world free of drug abuse. People of different countries celebrate the day together annually since 1987.

The theme for 2022 is “Addressing drug challenges in health and humanitarian crisis”, with the objective of responding to transnational challenges generated by crisis situations.

Acting Police Lt-Col., No.3 Narcotic Squad, Yangon, Aung Myat Soe said "The purpose of this ceremony is to help the whole international community achieve its goal of anti-drug and to raise public awareness of the root causes of illicit drugs. On the other hand, there are total of 11 teams including 5 teams to eradicate drug production and 6 teams to eradicate the usage of drug. The drug and Psychotropic Substances prevention team is working in groups at the district, township and village levels."

Myanmar has signed 24 Memorandums of Understanding on cooperation in drug control activities, as well as exchanging information on counter-drugs issues with regional countries and neighboring countries.  

Moreover, the drug abuse control measures have also been carried out with the participation of Non-Government Organizations.

Chairman, Myanmar Anti-Narcotics Association (MANA), Soe Win said "The goal of our Association is to build a healthy and drug free Myanmar society. The two steps of our association are to reduce drug use and reduce the risks involved. Drug is like the atomic bomb and it make trouble to mankind."

A total of 33 kinds of narcotic drugs which worth 356.6 billion kyats and 192.80 million dollars were destroyed during the ceremony. The destroyed drugs were seized in 5,914 cases in Yangon Region. Kyi Lei Lei Aung for MITV, Myanmar International Television.