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| Monday, 13 September 2004 |
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by Sarath Malalasekera An International Conference on Asian Cities Against Drugs (ACAD) will be held in Melaka, Malaysia from Octoer 3 to October 7 organised by the Colombo Plan Drug Advisory Programme in collaboration with the Melaka State Government and the National Drugs Agency, Ministry of Internal Security, Malaysia and PEMADAM Malaysia, said Drug Advisory Programme (DAP), Director Tay Bian How. The Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) US Department of State is assisting in this programme, the DAP Director said. Introducing the programme, DAP Director Bian How said that "The dishevelled youth looked pathetic. His eyes were soulful and sad. He was trembling and fidgety. He needs a 'fix' very soon. But he had no money nor did he have the support from his family. Not anymore. They have decided that enough is enough. Now it won't be long before he resorts to petty crimes to find a quick 'buck' to pay for his addiction. And, then, one thing leads to another." This is a common sight among the youth in many inner cities of many countries in Asia and worldwide. Globally, about 185 million people consume illicit drugs annually. More people are involved in the produced and trafficking of illicit drugs. The drug trends are alarming and prevading the future of the youth of many cities in Asia.Cognizant of the aforementioned fact, The Colombo Plan Drug Advisory Programme supported by the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, US Department of State in collaboration with the Melaka State Government will organise the First International Conference on Asian Cities Against Drugs. The main function of this international conference is to work towards the creation of as many cities in Asia to be free from the drug scourge, Director How added. He emphasised that the Colombo Plan Drug Advisory Programme being the prime mover in implementing several effective demand reduction initiatives in the Asia Pacific region, in collaboration with Melaka State Government expects to bring together the mayors and representatives of national capital, provincial, state capital and city councils in Asia cities and their drug related officials to form the network and attend the first Asian Cities Against Drugs Conference. For those who are interested in participating in this first international conference on Asian Cities Against Drugs are requested to contact the Colombo Plan Drug Advisory Programme, The Director, Colombo Plan Secretariat, 13th Floor, BoC Merchant Tower, St. Michaels Road, Colombo 3 or Email: dap@ colombo-plan.org. |
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