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| Friday, 11 July 2003 |
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Minister of Interior and Christian Affairs, John Amaratunga has directed the relevant State and Non-Governmental organisations to continue with the extensive programme of work initiated and carried out during the Anti-Drugs Week launched by the Ministry from June 23rd to 29th to tackle the problem of drug abuse and illicit trafficking of drugs which had today posed one of the gravest threats to social stability and peace. One of the significant actions launched during the Anti-Drug Week is the breakdown on drug traffickers and detection of illicit drugs with all Police stations in the Island being given instructions by the Inspector General of Police, T. E. Anandarajah to launch intensified action to detect illicit drug trafficking and instances of drug abuse in the areas. A large number of drug abuse instances were detected and traffickers arrested with the co-operation of the public, the Interior Ministry said yesterday. Another programme of action successfully carried out are extensive programmes launched in schools, community level and social organisations, workplaces and through the media to educate the people on the dangers of drug abuse such as its harmful effects on personal health and also leading to crime and obtain peoples support to prevent illicit trafficking in drugs. The Minister also disclosed that a Cabinet Sub Committee will be appointed shortly to coordinate and implement a much intensified programme. These special anti-drug programmes during the week were carried out with the support of religious and community organisations and clergy, the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board, the Police Narcotics Bureau, Ministry of Education and Department of Education, Prisons Department, Excise Department, The Customs Department, UNICEF and several other Government and Non-Governmental organisations. The action programme during the week was planned and co-ordinated by a special committee appointed by the Minister at the beginning of this year. Among the highlights of the programme of activities carried out during the week are as follows: * All Police stations in the island launching intensified action to detect instances of drug abuse and illicit trafficking in their areas on a special directive issued by the IGP. * Performance of Street dramas depicting dangers of drugs and how people are induced to use drugs in 70 towns organised by the Police Narcotics Bureau as well as display of 50,000 posters, banners and hoardings in main public places in Colombo and suburbs, distribution of leaflets and stickers. * Showing of slides in cinema halls on prevention of drug abuse. * Special awareness programmes were carried out for Free Trade Zone employees, Airport employees and Rehabilitation Centres by the Police Narcotics Bureau, NGOs and religious organisations. |
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