Massive awareness programmes, cannabis destruction drives mark International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Shopian

SHOPIAN : On the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, a series of awareness and anti-drug activities were organised across district Shopian to spread awareness about the harmful effects of drug abuse and to reiterate the collective resolve to eradicate the menace from society.
Several programmes, awareness campaigns and community outreach activities were held at various tehsil headquarters, including Keller, Herman, Chitragam, Zainapora, Shopian and other parts of the district.The events witnessed enthusiastic participation from youth, officials and members of civil society, who pledged to work together to build a drug-free society.
As part of the district-wide anti-narcotics campaign, extensive drives were also conducted to destroy wild cannabis growing in different areas. Wild cannabis plants were uprooted and destroyed at Pinjoora, Kachdoora, Heegam, Keller, Batapora, Zianapora, Herman, Chitragam, Keegam and several other areas of the district as part of the ongoing efforts to curb the wild cultivation and spread of narcotic substances.
The district administration intensifies awareness campaigns, strengthen community participation and take stringent measures against drug abuse and illicit trafficking. Citizens, particularly the youth, were urged to stay away from drugs and actively contribute towards making Shopian a healthy, progressive and drug-free district.
The programmes concluded with a pledge by all stakeholders to continue the fight against drug abuse and to create greater awareness about its devastating social and health consequences.