The United Nations observes every June 26th as International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, which seeks to develop an international society free of drug abuse. The observance, declared by the international organization in 1987, calls on member-states to implement policies to combat the drug problem, addressing both issues pertaining to supply and demand.
“The world drug problem is one of the most challenging issues we face,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres. “National priorities may differ but the international community shares a common goal to protect people’s security and well-being, while striving for the progress and dignity of all.”
“Earlier this year, at the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, member-states committed to ‘working together for rights and health-based responses to drugs so that people can live in health, dignity, and peace, with security and prosperity,’” he added. “I call on all governments to live up to this pledge.”
The day will also be marked with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime releasing their 2019 World Drug Report.
Combating drug abuse has been a priority of the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte since he assumed office in 2016.
Last week, the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) released a report indicating they have seized a total of P20.8 million worth of drugs since January of this year.
The BCPO pointed out, from the beginning of this year up until June 20, they have arrested a total of 451 people, 66 of which were high-value drug targets, 50 were street-level targets, and 335 were newly-identified drug personalities./WDJ