South Asian Sub-Regional Drug Focal Point meeting begins in New Delhi

Sub-Regional Drug Focal Point Meeting and Colombo Plan Drug Advisory Programme (CPDAP), South Asia under the Drug Demand Reduction (DDR) Expert Group Consultation has begun in New Delhi.
The three-day meeting was inaugurated by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh which has been organised by Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB).
Key facts

• Main objective is to review the progress of the Drug Demand and Supply Reduction activities in the South Asia region.
• Facilitate exchange of views between delegates on technical aspects of the drug cooperation programme and it aims at achieving efficiency and effectiveness.
• Address the needs of the member states and help formulate a uniform strategic plan to address drug use and abuse related problems.
• CPDAP will provide a great platform to coordinate among different countries fighting for the cause of drug menace.
• About 40 delegates from various participating countries are participating in this meeting.

Drug Menace in South Asia region

• South Asia region is present on the so called Golden Crescent (overlaps Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan) and Golden Triangle (overlaps Myanmar, Laos and Thailand) which are two main opium-producing areas in the world.
• Part of South West and South East Asia are more venerable for drug trafficking and its abuse especially among the youth is matter of concern.
• The involvement of various terrorist groups and syndicates in drug trafficking has been seen as grave threat to national security and sovereignty of countries in this region.
• India’s concern: Due to its close proximity with major opium growing areas of the region, India is facing the serious menace of drug trafficking and spillover effect.

Month: Current Affairs - September, 2015