India Marks International Day Against Drug Abuse with Nationwide Awareness Campaign

India commemorated the "International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking" today with a number of national events and initiatives, demonstrating a strong commitment to fight drug abuse and illicit trafficking. The purpose of the day, which was established by the UN General Assembly, is to increase public awareness of the detrimental effects that drug abuse has on one's health, finances, society, and security.

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), India's national nodal agency for drug law enforcement, is leading these efforts. The NCB celebrated "Drug Free India" from June 12 to June 26, coordinating with various government departments and non-governmental organizations. Today's events are the culmination of these celebrations across the nation.

An event arranged by the NCB's Delhi Zonal Unit called a "Cyclothon" was the high point of today's celebration. Approximately five hundred cyclists of all ages, including NCB employees, took part in the drug awareness bicycle rally. NCB Director General, Sh. S. N. Pradhan, IPS, gave the opening remarks for the event at 6:00 AM from the NCB Headquarters in R. K. Puram, New Delhi.

India's constitutional principles form the foundation of its drug control policy. The state is required by Article 47 of the Indian Constitution to "endeavor to bring about prohibition of the consumption, except for medicinal purposes, of intoxicating drinks and drugs which are injurious to health." The national drug control policy of India is based on this directive.

The main legislative framework in the nation for addressing drug abuse and trafficking is derived from the 1985 Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. This all-inclusive law forbids and regulates the misuse and illegal trafficking of psychotropic substances, precursor chemicals, and narcotic drugs. Along with providing punitive measures for offenses, it also establishes investigative procedures and permits the forfeiture of assets related to drug use.

India has shown its commitment to international efforts in drug control by signing three significant United Nations Drug Conventions. When it comes to coordinating drug-related activities across ministries, departments, and states, the NCB is essential.

The NCB arranges a number of nationwide programs all year long to raise awareness about drugs. These consist of film screenings, lectures, workshops, oath ceremonies, informational material distribution, awareness campaigns, runs, rallies, and street plays.

The bureau stresses that the first step in solving the drug problem as a whole is to lower the demand for illegal drugs. Through these initiatives, the message "Say No to Drugs" is being reinforced, emphasizing the need to educate people about the dangers of drug abuse and trafficking.

India is still fighting drug abuse, but in the process of making society drug-free, the NCB and other stakeholders are putting in a lot of effort. The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is observed annually, and it serves as a potent reminder of our shared responsibility in the fight against this global problem.

With the success of today's Cyclothon and the ongoing "Drug Free India" campaign, India has reaffirmed its commitment to building a safer, healthier, and drug-free country. As the nation progresses, the emphasis will always be on awareness, involvement, and the straightforward but effective message that "Say No to Drugs."