What are Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking and Steps Taken Against It?

When is the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking? And What is the Significance of This Day?

On June 26th, the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is commemorated to promote worldwide action and cooperation in order to attain the objective of a drug-free international community.

The goal of commemorating this day is to raise awareness about the dangers of substance misuse as well as the illegal drug trade.

World Drug Day's Background:

The General Assembly declared 26 June to be the Worldwide Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Resolution 42/112 on 7 December 1987, as an expression of its desire to increase action and cooperation in order to attain the objective of a drug-free international society.

In 2022, What is the Theme of the United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking?

The Theme for the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2022 is -

Addressing drug challenges in health and humanitarian crises. In the past, the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking has had the following theme:

• Theme for International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2020 is -Better Knowledge for Better Care.
• Theme for International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2019 is -Justice for Health. Health for Justice.
• Theme for International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2016 to 2018 is -Listen First Listening to children and youth is the first step to helping them grow healthy and safe.
• Theme for International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2015 is -Let’s Develop; Our Lives; Our Communities; Our Identities; Without Drugs.
• Theme for International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2014 is -A message of hope: Drug use disorders are preventable and treatable.
• Theme for International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2013 is -Make health your new high in life, not drugs.

What is Drug Abuse or Substance Abuse?

Substance abuse or drug abuse is the use of drugs in amounts or in a manner that can be harmful to the individual or others. Drug abuse is an example of a substance-related disorder.

There are different definitions of drug abuse in public health, medical and legal contexts. People can behave in a criminal or antisocial manner when they are using drugs, and their personalities can also change over time.

The use of some drugs may not only cause physical and psychological harm, but it may also result in criminal penalties, although these differ widely by jurisdiction. There are many drugs that are commonly associated with this term, including alcohol, amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cannabis, cocaine, hallucinogens, methaqualone, and opioids.

Substance abuse is not completely understood, but there are two leading theories: a genetic predisposition or habits learned from others that eventually manifest as addiction as a chronic, sometimes crippling disease.

• Symptoms of Drug Abuse:Watery eyes, redness, puffiness of the eyes, decreased memory, cognition, and vision, behavioral changes, loss of focus, interrupted sleep schedule, and depression is all symptoms of drug abuse.
• Cause of Drug Abuse :Drug abuse has a variety of causes, including an unhealthy social environment, stress, loneliness, and discrimination.
• Treatment of Drug Abuse :Medication, behavioral therapy, group therapy, or a combination of these therapies are used to treat drug addiction.

What is Illicit Trafficking?

Drug trafficking is a worldwide illegal trade that involves the cultivation, production, distribution, and sale of substances that are prohibited by law. 'Illicit' implies prohibited by law, rule, or tradition, and 'trafficking' is dealing or trading in unlawful goods.

Illicit trafficking refers to the illegal "trading, selling, or dealing" of products that are prohibited by law or by the government. The illegal drug trade is regarded to be linked to violent crimes including murder and gun violence in various countries. This is particularly true in all developing nations.

India’s Situation as per World Drug Report 2021 on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking:

The significant conclusions of the UNODC's World Drug Report 2021 were that India was deemed to be one of the major hubs of the illicit drug trade for cannabis, as well as newer prescription-based pharmaceuticals like tramadol and designer drugs like methamphetamine.

• Opioid consumption was highest in India, and the ATS market was booming.
• Overall drug use has increased as a result of Covid-19, primarily due to socioeconomic impact, acute poverty, and exacerbated disparities, with a bigger move into cheaper and considerably more hazardous narcotics.
• During lockdowns, marijuana demand was thought to be higher.
• The drug market was more prevalent on the dark web, where it was relatively easy to purchase or sell drugs with the use of Bitcoins, which allows both the buyer and seller to remain anonymous, and this escalates to other types of crimes. This is also important in the Indian context, as India went into lockdowns and usage of the internet, etc. was increased by school-aged children and adults.
• According to the survey, China and India are the leading exporters of various narcotics, primarily cannabis, to other regions of the world in Asia.

Steps Taken by Indian Government Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking?

The Indian government recently launched a campaign to combat substance abuse.
 

1. Nasha Mukt Bharat: The Government of India's Social Justice Department published "Nasha Mukt Bharat: Annual Action Plan (2020-2021)" for the worst affected districts in relation to drug usage and illegal trafficking in June 2020. There are several parts to the action plan:
   • Organizing awareness-raising events;
   • Focus on drug misuse awareness in higher educational institutions and schools;
   • Identifying vulnerable populations and promoting community engagement through increased community participation and public cooperation;
   • Focus on significant treatment facilities in hospital settings through assisting various government hospitals in the establishment of de-addiction centers in addition to the current government-supported centers; capacity-building programs for service providers.
2. NCCDR - National Consultative Committee on De-addiction and Rehabilitation:Under the chairmanship of the Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, this committee was established in July 2008. This Committee serves as an advisory body to the Indian government, advising it on matters such as drug abuse, drug demand reduction, drug abuse prevention, and drug abuse awareness, among other things.
3. A National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR)for 2018-2025 has been launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
4. Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) was established by the government in November of 2016.
5. The government established the "National Fund for Control for Control of Drug Abuse" to cover the costs of battling illegal drug trafficking, treating addicts, and educating the public about drug abuse, among other things.
6. National Drug Addiction Helpline: The National Drug Addiction Helpline is a toll-free number that you can call to get help with your addiction. On January 7, 2015, a 24-hour toll-free helpline was established. The emphasis was on assisting drug misuse victims as well as the general public. 1800-11-0031 is the telephone number of the National Drug Addiction Helpline to call.

India's Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking Legislation (Law):

Here are the laws against drug abuse/ substance abuse and illicit trafficking in India
 

1. Article 47: of the Indian Constitution declares that it is the state's responsibility to:
   • Raise people's nutritional levels and living standards;
   • The primary responsibility is to develop public health facilities, among other things.
   • Any intoxicating, illegal drugs that are damaging to one's health should be controlled and prohibited.
2. Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985: The Act on Narcotics, Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) was passed in 1985.
3. Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1988
4. Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940

In India, Which Government Agencies are in Charge of Dealing with Problems of Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking? Or

Are There Government Agencies That Handle Drug Abuse and Trafficking Issues in India?

Here is the list of the government agencies which handle Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking related issues in India:

• The Narcotic Control Bureau (NCB)
• The Narcotics Control Division
• The Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN)
• Other Agencies like the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, Central Bureau of Investigation, Customs Commission, and Border Security Force.

Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking   Better Knowledge for Better Care   Symptoms of Drug Abuse   Treatment of Drug Abuse   Nasha Mukt Bharat   Article 47   Substance Abuse   Cause of Drug Abuse   Illicit Trafficking   Opioid consumption   Narco-Coordination Centre