Illegal trafficking is not just about drugs but, it is also about us the people. The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was established on 26th June 1987 in an effort to achieve a drug-free society.

The day was officialized by the United Nations General Assembly to fight against and raise awareness the unlawful trafficking of drugs.

In today’s developing time, a very small amount of drugs is being used by pharmaceutical companies to manufacture useful medicines. Excessive use of or taking a large amount of consumption causes drug addiction.

According to the World Drug Report released by United Nations on Drugs and Crime in 2017 reveals that approximately 5.3% of the global adult has used drugs for at least once in 2015. Out of 5.3 percentage, about 0.6% of the global adult citizens suffered from drug disorders such as drug dependence and drug addiction.

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What is the Theme of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2018?

This year the theme for 2018 is “Listen First- Listening to children and youth is the first step to help them grow healthy and safe.” It is an initiative to increase support for drug use prevention for the well-being of children and youth, their families, and their communities.

Listening to youth and children is the first step to help them with healthy and safe development and growth.

Nowadays, drug abuse is one of the most severe health problems besides causing serious diseases like HIV, tuberculosis, and hepatitis.

The abuse has several side effects in the form of antisocial behavior like stealing, violence, and crime besides social stigma, economic loss, and the overall downfall of the society.

Drug racket operates internationally with having transshipment points for drug circulation. India possibly more prone to drug activities due to its strategic location, these drug activities may include drug trafficking and local consumption.

Some main reasons or causes of drug abuse is an influence of westernization, peer pressure, and changing family structure.

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What is the Background of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking?

It is defined as that illegal drugs continue to assume a health danger to humanity. With this sanction in mind, the members of United Nations established the world drug control system.

The United Nations General Assembly believed that the world drug problem forms a serious threat to public health, the safety, and well-being of humanity, particularly in young people, as well as the national security and sovereignty. This also causes the undermines of socio-economic and political stability as well as sustainable development.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime worked for international drug control as well as to support for expanding and strengthening its technical and operational cooperation activities against illegal drug trafficking.

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