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Eradicating drugs: Sri Lanka’s new challenge after terrorism
by Melani Manel Perera
President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s promise on World Day against Drug Abuse (yesterday). In 2010, 29,796 people arrested for drugs, almost all men over the age of 30 (60%). Of these, 9,520 for heroin, 20,259 cannabis, 12 for hashishand one for cocaine. In Sri Lanka, the use and trafficking of drugs are illegal.
Colombo (AsiaNews) - "The eradication of the drug menace: After the defeat of terrorism, this will be the next humanitarian mission in Sri Lanka” announced President Mahinda Rajapaksa in his message for World Day against Drug abuse, celebrated yesterday. Also marking the Day, the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board (Nddcb) launched a national program during a seminar on "The drugs problem and the current situation in Sri Lanka." The use and trafficking of drugs are illegal in Sri Lanka.
According to the Nddcb, the number of drug arrests in 2010 was 29,796, an increase of 50% compared to 2009. Colombo is the most affected: 37.5% of arrests, then Gamapaha (10%) and Kalutara (4.5%). 99% of cases are men, usually over 30 (60%). There are also boys between 20 and 30 (12%), while cases of minors (between 15 and 18 years) counted for just 116, 0.38%. Among those arrested 9.520 were for heroin, 20,259 cannabis, while only 12 for hashish and one cocaine. Compared to 2009, the number of persons apprehended for heroin and cannabis has increased by 75% and 52%.
Meanwhile, Yury Fedotov, president of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), said: "Prevention begins with the collaboration of families, teachers, youth leaders and mentors. We must begin to think globally and act locally, to reduce the consumption and trafficking of drugs".