June 26 is International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
(ROME, ITALY) – Gripped by an unprecedented drug crisis that is devastating families and fueling profits for drug cartels, Smart Approaches to Marijuana and the Foundation for Drug Policy Solutions (FDPS) today called on political leaders around the world to advance public policies focused on evidence-based prevention, treatment, international cooperation, and criminal justice reforms that ensure a more aggressive and effective approach to dealing with the drug trade. Officials from FDPS will visit Rome to address the whole Parliament and Auckland this week to mark the occasion.
“America is certainly not alone in dealing with an addiction crisis worsened by both foreign and domestic drug cartel activity. Drug policy is a global issue. We are urging leaders charged with protecting the safety and security of their people to do more to stop the carnage we see every day,” said Foundation for Drug Policy Solutions President Dr. Kevin Sabet, a former drug policy advisor to Presidents Obama, Bush and Clinton.
Established by the U.N. General Assembly in 1987, the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, or World Drug Day, is observed annually on June 26 as an expression of the global community’s commitment to reducing the adverse effects of drug use. This year, Foundation for Drug Policy Solutions leadership is marking the occasion by meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and her senior staff in Rome, and then working with NGOs in New Zealand, where a recent referendum rejected the legalization of marijuana.
“Increasing global cooperation to stop the drug trade will save lives. In addition to reducing demand and international organizations must work together to reduce supply by curbing the availability of illicit substances and cutting off proceeds that fuel violent criminal enterprises,” said Sabet.
FDPS representatives will provide exclusive briefings to the Prime Minister and other government representatives on June 26 and lead a call to action against illicit trafficking. This Council of Ministers meeting is the highest level drug meeting PM Meloni has ever convened, and it can be seen live at 9:00am (ET) here: https://webtv.camera.it/.
“By prioritizing evidence-based prevention and treatment systems, we can stem the tide of addiction and fight back against criminal enterprises that are killing our citizens every day,” Sabet said.
Those wishing to learn more about the Foundation for Drug Policy Solutions’ work and its core beliefs can learn more at www.GoodDrugPolicy.org.