Today is the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The day is observed every year on 26th June to raise awareness about the major problem that illicit drugs represent to society. 

The UN General assembly chose the day in December 1987 to strengthen global action and cooperation to achieve the goal of a society free of drug abuse.

This year the theme is Health for Justice,  Justice for Health, which highlights that justice and health are two sides of the same coin when it comes to addressing drug problems. 

Drug abuse is one of the most serious health problems. Besides causing serious diseases such as HIV, hepatitis, tuberculosis, it has several side effects in the form of economic loss, anti-social behaviour such as stealing, violence and crime besides social stigma.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu has appealed to the people to create awareness on the dangers of substance abuse and collectively strive to end the menace. In a tweet, Mr Naidu said, the Government’s efforts in eradicating the menace must be supplemented by NGOs and other dedicated individuals.