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Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is observed on 26th June annually. This day stands as a worldwide expression of the collective resolve to combat the growing menace of drug abuse and trafficking. The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was first observed by the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 42/112 on 7th December 1987 to raise awareness, promote preventive education, support treatment and rehabilitation, and strengthen cooperation among nations to build a drug-free society.

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International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2025 Overview

The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2025 will be observed on 26th June 2025 as a global call to action against the escalating threat of drug abuse and illegal trafficking. The day highlights the urgent need for international cooperation, public awareness, and evidence-based strategies to address the drug crisis. It emphasizes investment in prevention, including justice, education, health care and alternative livelihoods—the building blocks of sustainable resilience.

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International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking History

The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was established in 1987 by the UN General Assembly as a reply to the urgent need for coordinated international efforts to combat drug abuse and trafficking. The 26th of June date was chosen to commemorate Lin Zexu’s efforts in 1839 to suppress the opium trade in Humen, China—an early example of a firm stand against drugs.

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International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2025 Theme

The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2025 theme is “The evidence is clear: invest in prevention. Break the cycle. #StopOrganizedCrime” This theme focuses on the importance of evidence-based prevention strategies to combat drug abuse and disrupt the networks behind illegal drug trafficking. This theme requests the global stakeholders, such as governments, communities, health systems, and individuals, to shift their focus from punitive approaches to preventive actions, including education, healthcare, social support, and alternatives to crime. By mainly focusing on prevention and resilience, this theme calls on the world to break the vicious cycle of drug abuse and organized crime.

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World Drug Report

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) publishes the World Drug Report every year. In this report they provide detailed analysis and statistics on global drug markets, consumption patterns, and policy developments. The latest report mentions the details such as:

• Synthetic opioids like nitazenes are on the rise, contributing to record-breaking numbers of overdose deaths, especially in North America and parts of Europe.
• In Southeast Asia’s Golden Triangle, methamphetamine is replacing traditional opiates, with organized criminal networks taking advantage of unstable and conflict-prone areas.
• In Latin America and Africa, the cocaine trade continues to fuel violence, corruption, and the erosion of public institutions.
• A new chapter in the report explores the influence of gender, age, and legalized cannabis markets, offering valuable data to help shape inclusive policies and public health responses.

This report underscores the urgent need for evidence-based prevention, regional cooperation, and public health–centered approaches to tackle the global drug crisis.

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Global Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking Statistics (2025)

According to the World Drug Report 2025 by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), drug use and trafficking continue to pose a significant global challenge. Here are the key statistics for 2025:

• Over 292 million people worldwide used drugs in the past year—a 20% increase over the past decade.
• Synthetic drugs, including fentanyl and nitazenes, are responsible for a sharp rise in overdose deaths, especially in developed countries.
• Methamphetamine production and trafficking have surged in Southeast Asia, particularly in the Golden Triangle region.
• Cannabis remains the most widely used drug globally, with 228 million users and expanding legal markets in several countries.
• Young people (aged 15–35) account for over 60% of all drug users, highlighting the urgent need for youth-focused prevention strategies.
• The illicit drug trade continues to fuel violence, organized crime, corruption, and instability, especially in Latin America, West Africa, and Central Asia.
• Access to treatment and rehabilitation remains limited in many parts of the world, with only 1 in 5 people with drug use disorders receiving proper care.

These statistics reflect the urgent need for global cooperation, stronger health systems, and socioeconomic strategies to address both drug abuse and the networks that sustain trafficking.

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What is National Anti drug Day in India?

National Anti-Drug Day in India is observed on 26th June every year, aligning with the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking declared by the United Nations. The day serves as a nationwide awareness campaign to highlight the dangers of drug abuse, educate youth and communities about the harmful effects of narcotics, promote rehabilitation, prevention, and recovery, and encourage public participation in creating a drug-free society.  The observance is led by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, under initiatives like Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, which works at the grassroots level to reduce substance abuse through counseling, education, and community support.

Various programs, such as rallies, seminars, street plays, school campaigns, and social media drives, are conducted across India to spread awareness and foster a culture of zero tolerance toward drugs.

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Drug Abuse Cases in India

India is witnessing a rising trend in drug abuse, especially among the youth and in border states, with a sharp increase in cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. According to official records and surveys:

• India recorded 115,236 drug abuse cases in 2022, more than double the 63,137 cases in 2018, marking a disturbing rise in substance-related crimes.
• Over 3.1 crore Indians are estimated to be using drugs like cannabis, opioids, and sedatives.
• Kerala, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra report some of the highest rates of substance abuse.
• The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) survey revealed that more than 60% of drug users in India started using drugs before the age of 20.
• Injection drug use (IDU) is also rising, increasing the risk of HIV and Hepatitis transmission.

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India’s Fight Against Drug Trafficking

India, due to its proximity to two major drug-producing regions—the Golden Crescent (Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan) and the Golden Triangle (Myanmar, Laos, Thailand)—faces immense challenges in controlling cross-border drug trafficking. Key initiatives in India’s anti-trafficking efforts include:

• The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) spearheading nationwide anti-narcotics operations.
• Drug seizures have doubled, crossing 3.95 lakh kilograms, reflecting increased operational vigilance.
• Strengthening border surveillance with the BSF and Coast Guard through dedicated task forces, targeting maritime smuggling operations more effectively.
• Collaborating with international agencies like the UNODC, INTERPOL, and SAARC countries
• Financial investigations have frozen assets worth over ₹75 crore, disrupting the economic backbone of drug cartels.
• Utilizing technology, intelligence networks, and drone monitoring to detect smuggling routes
• Some institutes, such as the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) and the Joint Coordination Committee (JCC), have enhanced their inter-agency coordination and intelligence sharing.
• The launch of the SIMS Portal (Seizure Information Management System) has enabled real-time tracking and analysis of drug seizure data across many states in India.

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International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking Celebration

The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is marked globally on 26th June through a wide range of awareness campaigns, educational programs, and community events. The goal is to foster public support for drug prevention and to encourage cooperation at all levels of society. Here is the list of key activities that are performed around the world on the day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking:

• United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) launches international campaigns focused on that year’s theme.
• Countries worldwide organize public events, conferences, and social media drives to raise awareness.
• In India many schools, colleges and universities organize art competitions, rallies, and webinars to engage youth and promote healthy lifestyles.
• Led by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, India observes the day under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.

• NCB, state governments, NGOs, and local volunteers collaborate to host workshops and drug disposal events.

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Conclusion

The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2025 is a powerful reminder of the urgent need for global unity in addressing the growing threats of drug abuse and illicit trafficking. With the theme “The evidence is clear: invest in prevention. Break the cycle. #StopOrganizedCrime”, this year’s observance calls on governments, communities, and individuals to prioritize evidence-based prevention, strengthen rehabilitation systems, and disrupt the operations of organized drug networks.

India, through initiatives like Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, enhanced inter-agency coordination, and major drug seizures, continues to demonstrate its commitment to a drug-free society. However, lasting change requires not just enforcement, but also education, awareness, and compassion.

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International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2025 FAQs

When is the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking observed?

The day is observed annually on 26th June to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and to promote global efforts to combat illicit drug trafficking.

What is the International Drug Day 2025 theme?

The theme for 2025 is “The evidence is clear: invest in prevention. Break the cycle. #StopOrganizedCrime”

Who initiated the observance of this day?

The day was established by the United Nations General Assembly through Resolution 42/112 on 7 December 1987.

How is Anti-Drug Day observed in India?

In India, the day is observed through Awareness campaigns under Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, School and college outreach programs, Rallies, workshops, street plays, drug disposal drives, and interagency efforts led by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB). 

What is the Golden Triangle in drug trafficking?

The Golden Triangle refers to a region in Southeast Asia (Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand) known for large-scale illicit opium and methamphetamine production.