OSCE and Tajikistan’s Drug Control Agency mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

To mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe supported Tajikistan's Drug Control Agency (Agency) in organizing awareness-raising campaign from 17 to 25 June in all regions of Tajikistan.

The campaign titled "Anti-drug Caravan 2022 - Youth against drugs" took place in Khorog, Kulob, Bokhtar, Tursunzoda, Khujand and Dushanbe cities. Over 850 participants, including representatives of local governments, law enforcement agencies, civil society and youth, participated in the campaign and raised awareness of the significant problem illicit drugs represent to society.

On the final day of the campaign held in Dushanbe, the Director of Tajikistan's Drug Control Agency, Major-General Habibullo Vohidzoda, said that the Agency carried out uncompromising combat against drug abuse and illicit trafficking. He noted that such events promote a healthy lifestyle, prevent drug abuse and raise awareness of the problems that illicit drugs inflict on society.

"Today, on the eve of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, I am grateful for preparing a wonderful final chord for the 2022 caravan, which will be of benefit to uphold negative attitude towards drug use, including through the media, public associations, volunteer organizations," said Ambassador Vuk Zugic, Acting Head of OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe. "We will continue to solve the problem of freeing people from drug addiction together," added Ambassador Zugic.

High-level representatives of the Agency, OSCE, local authorities and law enforcement awarded young winners of regional sports competitions and drawing contests with certificates and memorable gifts. Each campaign showcased a theatrical performance about drug abuse and cultural and entertainment programme.