The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, observed on 26th June each year, aims to draw awareness to the need for action and cooperation in order to achieve a drug - free world. Illicit drugs and their trafficking pose a large health threat to humanity. Drug problems and dependencies put a great deal of pressure on health care systems and constitute a threat to the safety and well being of humans.

The theme for current year - "Better Knowledge for Better Care" emphasizes the need to improve our comprehension of this serious issue and how in turn better knowledge will foster greater cooperation among the stake holders for countering its impact on health, governance and security.

This Administration has formulated UT Policy and Action Plan on Drug Demand Reduction for continued implementation of drug reduction activities in this archipelago. I am happy to share that 15 Bedded Integrated Rehabilitation Centres for Addicts (IRCAs) in all the three districts of A&N Islands have been sanctioned by Govt. of India.

I am glad that the Social Welfare Department in association with the departments of Police, Health and Education would be organizing a fortnight long programme from 26th June 2020 onwards by conducting activities such as observation of International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Mass Media Campaigns, SMS alerts, online activities for school students, screening of short movies on drug abuse, drawing and painting competition on the theme in Child Care Institutions, etc.

I also take this opportunity to praise the A&N Police for the efforts it has taken to not only eradicate the menace of drug abuse and illicit trafficking from the islands by meticulously implementing a "Zero Tolerance Policy", but also in helping the drug addicts by rehabilitating and providing them an opportunity to re-integrate into the society.

On this occasion, I appeal to all the people of these islands to extend their active support for accomplishment of the ideal of drug free society.

Admiral D K Joshi

PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.)

Lieutenant Governor, Andaman & Nicobar Islands

& Vice Chairman, Islands Development Agency