Posted 26 Jun 2009

With the arrival of the United Nations’ (UN’s) International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, many nations have marked the event to draw attention to the destructive nature of the illegal industry.

In Cambodia, prime minister Hun Sen addressed a crowd of activists, police officials, locals and drug victims and told them that though the country produced no drugs itself, it has "lost about 50 million US dollars" due to illegal substance use, Xinnhua News reported.

Thailand marked the day by publically burning six tonnes of illegal substances it seized during 4,426 criminal cases within the last year. The ministry of public health holds the burning ceremony every year, with 2009 being the 37th time.

Secretary general of the UN Ban Ki-Moon said that it was important to "remind all member states of their responsibility to fully respect the rights of prisoners who are drug dependent or are in custody for drug-related crimes, especially their rights to life and a fair trial."

The United Nations established 26th June as International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in 1987, aiming to outline the importance of working towards a drug abuse-free planet.

Category: Asia