World Drugs Day

The United Nations has set aside 26 June of every year as the World Drug Day to strengthen action and cooperation in achieving the goal of a world free of drug abuse. It is usually marked with media engagements across the country. The focus of discussions on the various media platforms is usually on the mandate of the Narcotics Control Commissions and sensitisation on the evil effects of the use of drugs on individuals, family and the society.

A drug destruction exercise is organised as part of Celebration. A Management member leads a delegation to Bundase Military Camp to destroy some quantities of seized drugs. The destruction is done in the presence of all stakeholders responsible for drug destruction. The event is covered by the TV, Radio and Print Media to send the campaign across a wider range of audience. There is also a live streaming of the drug destruction exercise on Facebook.

International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) Annual Report Launch

The International Narcotics Control Board launches its report every year highlighting various trends worldwide and the most current strategies to combat the World Drug problem.

This year, the INCB Annual Report has a special focus on illicit financial flows related to drug trafficking and their impact on development and security. The report takes a detailed look at the far-reaching negative impacts of these illicit financial flows on society – from corruption to high levels of violence, instability, poverty and inequality. Illicit financial flows are even more harmful for developing nations as they divert resources away from public initiatives undermining development and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

The report also analyses regional disparities in access to controlled medicines, particularly in humanitarian emergency situations. The collective understanding of decriminalising and legalising cannabis for non-medical purposes is addressed as well as increased evidence of a link between exposure to social media and drug use. Regional developments are also discussed.

The Annual Precursors Report 2023 will be presented at the launch as well as discussing challenges with the evolution of illicit drug manufacturing and the need for enhanced national controls of precursor chemicals.