REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- The National Narcotics Agency (BNN) has set up an Anti-Drug Task Force with a total of 19,854 members, according to BNN Chief Commissioner General Budi Waseso.

"The massive measure is the right strategy to build people power against drug trafficking," Waseso said during a commemoration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, here, Sunday.

The task force's members include students, civil servants, and the community, he noted.

The agency has also carried out urine tests on a total of 186.533 people since 2016, as early detection in government offices in particular.

Of the total, the results of 1,175 people were positive.

Besides, the agency has also carried out an alternative empowerment program by organizing lifeskill trainings for 705 people living in drug-prone areas.

This year, the theme of the International Day Against Drug Abuse, which is observed on June 26, is "Listen First" as it is believed that listening to children and youth is the first step to helping them grow healthy and safe.

"Listen First" is an initiative to increase support for prevention of drug use that is based on science, and is thus an effective investment in the well-being of children and youth, their families and their communities.

World Drug Report 2016 of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) shows a rise in the number of problem drug users from 27 to 29 million people aged 15-64, and the disastrous resurgence of heroin in some regions.

Today is the first International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking since the adoption last year of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Goal 3 calls on countries to strengthen the prevention and treatment of narcotic drug abuse, end AIDS and combat hepatitis.

According to the UN, Goal 16 is designed to help to build peaceful, just and inclusive societies and institutions that can address illicit drugs, crime, corruption and terrorism.

Ikuti Whatsapp Channel Republika