World Drug Day: Commemorative event in Yangon Region

To mark the 37th International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, a ceremony to destroy the seized Narcotic Drugs, Precursor and Paraphernalias was held in Yangon on Wednesday. 

A total of 37 kinds of narcotic drugs which worth over 86 million US dollars were destroyed during the ceremony. The destroyed drugs were seized in Yangon, Tanintharyi, Bago and Ayeyawady Regions, Kayin, Mon and Rakhine States as well as by the Expressway Police Unit.

Aung Myat Soe, Police Lieutenant Colonel, Yangon Region Anti-Narcotic Task Forces said "This is the annual ceremony for destroying the seized narcotic drug which is held according to the United Nation resolution. A total 37 kinds of drugs will be destroyed in this ceremony. In this era, strong chemical items are included the drugs which is known as synthetic drugs. It poses life-threatening impact to the users. I would like to urge all the young people as well as the parents to have awareness of using narcotic drugs."

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.

The theme for 2024 is “The evidence is clear: invest in prevention”, highlighting to adopt a scientific evidence-based approach that prioritizes prevention and treatment

As part of the ceremony, winners of the competition, held in commemoration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking were awarded.

Si Thu Aung, Police Lieutenant, Anti-Narcotic Task Forces said "Students’ participation in the commemorative event of cartoon, painting and poster competition has been increased year after year. By participating in this competition, students and young people as well as the public will come to join the efforts for combating the illicit use of drug. "

Pyae Sone Myat Thu, No.1 Basic Education High School (Dagon) said "In the regional level competition, I got second prize in cartoon competition and third prizes in painting competition computer painting event. In the national level competition, I got second prize in cartoon competition, special award in poster competition. As I would like to give awareness of drug through this competition, I took part in each event with my creative idea. I really thanks all concerned officials for organizing this kind of competition."

Thun Pyae Paye Thar, No.2 Basic Education High School (Sanchaung) said "Since this is my very first experience, I’ve tried very hard, practicing many times. I am very happy for winning this award, and I would like to say thanks you very much to my parents and teachers."

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.