A group named the Peace and Conflict Resolution Resource Centre (PEACrEc) has implored all and sundry to support the crusade, against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

PEACrEC, a non-profit governmental posited that a collective support of the campaign against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking in order to counter the effects of drug abuse on people’s health and security will w gender a peaceful society for all.

The NGO which made the call in a statement issued in Lagos to support the UN is marking the day, implored both Individuals, Non-Governmental Organizations, the private sector and Governments to join the campaign.

The United Nations has set aside 26 June annually to commemorate theInternational Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

” Peace and Conflict Resolution Resource Centre (PEACrEc) on this International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking makes a clarion call to Individuals, Non-Governmental Organizations, the private sector and Governments to join the campaign against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking in order to counter the effects of drug abuse on people’s health and security so that there can be a peaceful society for all.”, it stated.

While quoting the World Drug Report, it said, ” According to the latest World Drug Report, in year 2018, around 269 million people used drugs all over the world and over 35 million people suffer from drug use disorders.

It disclosed that the United Nations General Assembly on December 7, 1987 chose the 26th of June as the day to observe the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking annually.

The group explained that the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is a day meant to educate and enlighten the society of the harm associated with drug abuse both for a person and the society at large.

Drug abuse have dangerous effect on a person’s health and this can be long-lasting effects or permanent because drugs are chemicals that affect the body and brain.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) this year reports that the outbreak of the covid19 pandemic has led to a rise in unemployment which makes the poor and young people vulnerable to drug trafficking and drug abuse in order to earn some amounts of money.

The year 2020 theme for International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is “Better Knowledge for Better Care”.

It explained that, “This stresses the fact that better knowledge will help in overcoming the problem of drug abuse”.