To Help Communities to Make Informed Choices Without Drugs

On June 25, 2015, on the occasion of observance of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, 1 ton 400 kilograms of drugs seized over the prior year and used as evidence in criminal prosecutions were destroyed by the Uzbek law enforcement agencies. The drug burning ceremony was observed by journalists, embassy representatives as well as international organizations.

The UNODC Regional Representative for Central Asia, Ms. Ashita Mittal said in her speech: "We must address the nexus between the illicit drugs, violence, corruption, and terrorism. The balanced approach calls for the unity and collective shared responsibility with full engagement and commitment of all of us.  This year's theme for 26 June is "Let's develop our lives, our communities, our identities without drugs". No matter where we are, what we do, we can contribute to protect and help our children, our families and our communities to make informed choices without drugs."

The Director of the National Information-Analytical Center on Drug Control under the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan, Mr. Akhmed Mansurov, mentioned that today's drug burning ceremony is the result of our common efforts and success in countering drug trafficking.