Kolkata: Kolkata Police on Tuesday held a public awareness programme to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, focusing on drug prevention, rehabilitation and community involvement. The initiative aligned with the global theme of ‘World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses’ and the national campaign of ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan’.
”The anti-drug day was on June 26 but we could not organize the programme as it coincided with Muharram. We decided to observe it on Sunday,” said Kolkata Police commissioner Ajay Nand. “We are in talks with multiple agencies and are working to cut off the supply lines. An all-out effort is being carried out against illegal drugs.” s
A procession, organised by NGOs and rehabilitation centres, ended its march at the Bodyguard Lines in Alipore, to be received by Nand, who later flagged off two awareness tableaux, designed to spread messages against drug abuse.
Bengal women and child development and social welfare department secretary Moumita Godara Basu, CP Nand and other prominent personalities addressed the audience at a seminar held at the Bodyguard Lines auditorium. Speakers emphasized the importance of public collaboration and early intervention to eliminate substance abuse from society.