World Drug Day - 26 June 2024

Tags: Important Days

The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, also known as World Drug Day, is observed annually on 26 June.

An Overview of the News

• The purpose of World Drug Day is to promote global efforts to eliminate drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking.

• Theme for World Drug Day 2024: “The evidence is clear: invest in prevention”

• Message: Highlights the importance of effective drug policies.

• Key Elements:

  • Grounded in science

  • Based on research

  • Founded on compassion

  • Respectful of human rights

Background of World Drug Day

• The International Conference on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking held in Vienna in 1987 recommended a day to be celebrated annually to commemorate the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

• On December 7, 1987, the United Nations General Assembly decided to observe June 26 as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

• The objective of this festival is to support the efforts to make the society drug free and to raise awareness about the prevention of drug abuse

• June 26 was chosen as World Drug Day to commemorate the abolition of the opium trade in Humen, Guangdong by Lin Zexu on June 25, 1839.

About Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)

• NCB is an Indian central law enforcement and intelligence agency.

• It works under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

• It helps in combating drug trafficking as well as use of illegal substances as per the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.

• It coordinates drug-related matters with state governments and other central departments in India.

• Established:- 1986