June 26 of every year is the day set aside by the United Nations, UN, to create awareness on the dangers posed by hard drugs and Illicit Trafficking globally. Since 1987 when UN instituted the day, most countries of the world including Nigeria have been commemorating it.
By resolution 42/112 of 7 December 1987, the General Assembly decided to observe 26 June as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking as an expression of its determination to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse. This resolution recommended further action with regard to the report and conclusions of the 1987 International Conference on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
The General Assembly recognized that despite continued and increased efforts by the international community, the world drug problem continues to constitute a serious threat to public health, the safety and well-being of humanity, in particular young people, and the national security and sovereignty of States, and that it undermines socio-economic and political stability and sustainable development. Illicit drugs continue to pose a health danger to humanity. That’s why drugs are, and should remain, controlled.
Africa is not exempted from the drug menace, Cannabis herb which is known in local parlance as “marijuana, wewe, igboo or grass” is commonly produced, trafficked and highly consumed in Africa.
In West Africa, Nigeria is in the forefront in the battle against drug abuse and illicit trafficking. The Nigerian government in 1990 established the National Drug law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, for this purpose.
Drug abuse involves compulsive craving to use a substance, regardless of the potentially negative social, psychological and physical consequences. Certain drugs are more physically addicting than others. Drug use may lead to an emotional, psychological or a physical dependence.
Today, there is an alarming new drug problem; demand has soared for substances not under international control. Therefore, the 2013 UNODC global awareness campaign “Make health your ‘new high’ in life, not drugs” aims to inform the public, and particularly young people, about the harmful effects of new psychoactive substances (NPS).
Therefore, the 2013 UNODC global awareness campaign “Make health your ‘new high’ in life, not drugs” aims to inform the public, and particularly young people, about the harmful effects of new psychoactive substances (NPS). Sold openly, including through the internet, these substances, which have not been tested for safety in humans, can be far more dangerous than traditional drugs.
Marketed as ‘legal highs’, “research chemicals”, “plant food” and “bath salts,” NPS are proliferating at an unprecedented rate. The use of these terms gives a semblance of legality misleading young people into believing that they are indulging in low-risk fun. Intentional mislabeling of some NPS as “not for human consumption” provides a way of evading drug control laws.
The sheer number of NPS arriving on the scene almost weekly compounded by the lack of understanding of the adverse effects and addictive potential of these uncontrolled substances presents a major public health challenge. Often, the difference between a ‘safe’ and toxic dose is marginal and NPS have been associated with fatalities, delirium and violent behaviour. Mixtures of NPS bought unknowingly by users have resulted in unpredictable and sometimes disastrous effects.
Everyone has a part to play in protecting the youth of the world from dangerous substances. The United Nations Office and Crime (UNODC) leads the annual World Drug Campaign to drive home the message that illicit drugs pose a danger to society, aims to mobilize wide public support and seeks to inspire people to act against drug abuse.
In his message, the Secretary- General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon drawing from his recent visit to San Patrignano drug rehabilitation centre in northern Italy where 1,200 addicts are learning how to free themselves from drug abuses, acknowledged that drug abuses and illicit trafficking pose a threat to the future.
“This year I visited the San Patrignano drug rehabilitation centre in northern Italy where more than 1,200 young women and men from 28 countries are learning how to free themselves from the curse of addiction and enjoy dignified, productive lives. Their road is not easy. It demands courage, commitment and the compassion of dedicated mentors. But the members of this inspiring community understand that they are fortunate. All over the world, drugs threaten the health and welfare of youth and children, families and communities, and the billions of dollars generated by the drugs trade feed corruption, enhance the power of criminal networks and create fear and instability.”
He said, “Illegal drug trafficking is a clear obstacle to development. This cross-border problem requires a robust and coordinated law enforcement response within and among countries. Tackling organized crime and the illicit drugs trade is a shared responsibility. But the rule of law is only part of the equation. For instance, farmers dependent on the cultivation of illicit drugs such as coca, marijuana and opium must be offered alternative livelihoods, while drug users and addicts need help not stigmatization.”
Ban Ki-moon canvassed for a science-based public health approach with the support of the government, media and major stakeholders, including the individual in tackling the menace.
He said “a human rights and science-based public health approach is the only sound basis for preventing and treating addiction and related consequences such as HIV transmission through unsafe injecting practices. We must also address threats such as the emerging problem of new psychoactive substances, many of which are not under international control. Young people, in particular, must be made aware of the dangers of these drugs. On this International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, I call on governments, the media and civil society to do everything possible to raise awareness of the harm caused by illicit drugs and to help prevent people profiting from their use.”
