June 26 is International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
Nations Urged to Embrace Treatment, Prevention, Not Harm Reduction
(WASHINGTON, DC) – Despite an onslaught of misinformation and propaganda from pro-drug activists around the world, people are standing up and saying we want safer communities free from dangerous, illicit drugs.
That’s the message being shared today by the Foundation for Drug Policy Solutions (FDPS), as it uses “International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking” to call on political leaders across the globe to work together to stop the flow of illicit drugs, and advance public policies focused on evidence-based prevention, treatment, international cooperation, and criminal justice reforms.
“Oregon, British Columbia, and even Thailand have all seen the disastrous outcome associated with so-called ‘harm reduction’ policies. People have made it clear they don’t want more drugs in their neighborhoods and on their streets. Across the globe, the addiction crisis is being worsened by illicit drug cartel activity and pro-drug activists masquerading as public-policy experts,” said Foundation for Drug Policy Solutions President Dr. Kevin Sabet, a former drug policy advisor to Presidents Obama, Bush and Clinton.
“Drug policy is a global issue. Leaders charged with protecting public health and safety must do more to stop the carnage and stand up to forces that seek only to profit off addiction. The addiction-for-profit industry has shown it has no moral compass and it’s up to our political leaders to see beyond the misinformation to enact sound drug policies.”
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.
“Increasing cooperation among nations to stop the drug trade will save lives. In addition, nations and NGOs must work together to reduce supply by curbing the availability of illicit substances and cutting off proceeds that fuel violent criminal enterprises. We also must double down on primary prevention policies and education, programs which are both life-saving and dollar saving as has proven time and again in countries around the world. The best cure is always to prevent use before it starts while we treat those who are currently suffering from addiction,” said Sabet. “By prioritizing evidence-based prevention and treatment systems, we can stem the tide of addiction and fight back against criminal enterprises that claiming the lives of people of all ages.”
Those wishing to learn more about the Foundation for Drug Policy Solutions’ work and its core beliefs can learn more at www.GoodDrugPolicy.org.