To observe the International Day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking, the mass event 'Run against Drug Abuse' was organized as a joint venture of Directorate of Prohibition, Govt. of Delhi, Ministry of Social justice and Empowerment, Govt. of India, Narcotics Control Bureau, Govt. of India. The event has proved to be of great value for awareness on drug abuse all over India and has attracted a lot of attention.
This is the 16th year in a row for the mass run event against drug abuse to mark the International Day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking. The morning hours were full of actions with the one kilometre race, thematic cultural show, theme poster making, 'Shapath' by all 5000 participants with the minister, followed by the run and walkathon. More than 30 organizations from Delhi and NCR took part in the mass event.
Thawar Chand Gehlot, Union Minister of Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Chaudhary Birender Singh, Minister of Steel, Vijay Sampla, Secretary and Jt Secretary of the Ministry, DG of Narcotics Control Bureau, DGs from Para Military Forces, CMDs/Executive Directors of the Partner organizations joined the pledge and flag off ceremony as well as the symbolic walkathon.
This year's theme 'Listen First' is an initiative started in 2016 to increase support for prevention of drug use. Based on science, it is thus an effective investment in the well-being of children and youth, their families and their communities.