June 26: International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

PanARMENIAN.Net - The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is a United Nations International Day against drug abuse and the illegal drug trade.



The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) leads the international campaign aimed at raising awareness of the major problem that illicit drugs represent to society and especially to young people. The goal of the campaign, which runs from 2007 to 2009, is to inspire people and mobilize support for drug control.



Over the last 12 months 208 million people or 4,9% of world's population aged 15-64 used drugs at least once in their lifetimes.



As compared to 2006 data, in 2007 the market for opium and heroine increased by 17% at the expense of poppy seed plantations expansion in Afghanistan (193 megahectares). In 2007, 8870 tons of opium were manufactured, 8200 tons - by Afghanistan.



In 2008, 763 drug-related crimes were registered in Armenia, which is 221 cases less than in 2007.



Last year, 495 people were brought to responsibility for drug- and psychotropic substances -related crimes in Armenia.



7 years ago 7 people applied for drug addiction treatment in Armenia, last year their number rose to 466.