ITANAGAR, Jun 26: Joining the rest of the globe, International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2026 themed “World drug problem: persisting issues, new challenges, innovative responses” was observed across the State today, aiming at shaping a drug-free society.
TEZU: The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2026 was observed on Friday at Community Hall, TPHC, Lama Camp, Tezu by the Department of Health & Family Welfare, Lohit district in collaboration with Dhargyeling Tibetan Settlement Office, Tezu, as per a directive from the State Programme Officer, APDDAS, Directorate of Health Services, Naharlagun.
The programme, which aimed to create awareness on prevention of drug abuse, discouraging illicit trafficking, promoting treatment and rehabilitation services and encouraging collective responsibility towards building a drug-free society, witnessed active participation of more than 200 individuals, comprising officers/ officials, students, community members and members of the general public from various parts of the district, reflecting a strong community response towards the issue of substance abuse prevention.
Dr S Towang, DRCHO-cum-Nodal Officer, Sudhaar Ghar (Tezu), highlighted the significance of the Day, and elaborated on the health and social consequences of substance abuse, available treatment and rehabilitation facilities under the Health department and the importance of early identification, counselling, timely intervention and community support for successful recovery and reintegration.
Conducting an important awareness, Lohit SP Thutan Jamba spoke on the issues of drug abuse and illicit trafficking, and elaborated on the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. He explained the legal implications and consequences of drug-related offences and stressed the need for coordinated efforts among administration, law enforcement agencies, educational institutions, families and the public to combat the menace effectively.
As part of the programme, a testimony session was delivered by Sangay Phuntsok, a recovering addict who shared his personal journey of recovery and rehabilitation. His testimony highlighted the importance of family support, professional treatment, determination and social acceptance in overcoming addiction, and inspired participants to promote compassion and timely assistance for affected individuals.
Addressing the gathering, Lohit DMO Dr C L Manchay spoke on the harmful effects and long-term consequences of drug abuse on physical health, mental well-being, family relationships and society at large. He encouraged continued public involvement in awareness and prevention initiatives across the district.
Earlier, the event started with a welcome address by Kunga Jigmey, Tibetan Settlement Officer, Tezu. He encouraged all stakeholders to continue promoting healthy lifestyles and preventive awareness among the younger generation.
As a symbolic commitment towards collective action, the participants took a pledge for a drug-free society, reaffirming their determination to discourage drug abuse and support awareness, prevention and rehabilitation initiatives.
KHONSA: The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was observed at the Community Health Centre (CHC), Deomali on friday.
Chaired by Tirap DMO Dr in presence of District Tuberculosis Officer (DTO) Dr Jayanti Thingnok, along with doctors and medical staff from CHC Deomali, various Primary Health Centres (PHCs), and Health & Wellness Centres (HWCs), the event was also attended by adolescent school students, representatives from de-addiction centres, and ASHA and Auxiliary Facilitator (AF) workers.
Addressing the gathering, the DMO highlighted the devastating social and health consequences of drug abuse, and stressed the importance of providing proper guidance and support to the younger generation to prevent them from falling into the vicious cycle of addiction. He also appealed to all stakeholders to actively create awareness about drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking at the community level.
Earlier, the programme commenced with a welcome address by Dr K Matey, medical officer In-charge, CHC Deomali, who highlighted the significance of the Day, this year’s theme, various types of addictive substances, their harmful effects, and preventive measures.
Also, awareness speeches were delivered by students of WRG College, Tirap, and Indira Gandhi Govt College, Tezu, emphasizing the need for a drug-free society.
BASAR: On the occasion of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the Reincarnates Fellowship Group in collaboration with the Arunachal Pradesh Recovery Community organized a series of awareness activities here today, with the active support from Leparada Police and District Administration.
The observance began with a Drug Awareness Rally from Old Market, Basar to Govt Hr Sec School (GHSS), Basar, carrying the message of a drug-free and healthy society. The rally witnessed enthusiastic participation from recovered addicts, students, youth, police personnel and other community volunteers.
A Drug Awareness Programme was subsequently held at GHSS Basar, where resource persons highlighted the harmful physical, psychological and social consequences of substance abuse.
Among the resource persons, Ritika Chitlangia, IAS (P) and Dr Thuptan Jambey, Superintendent of Police, Leparada also delivered inspiring messages, urging students to stay focused on their education, resist negative influences, embrace healthy lifestyles, and become ambassadors of awareness within their families and communities.
As part of the day-long observance, a friendly cricket match between Yubo Youth Cricket Club and Recovery Addicts was organized under the theme ‘Yes to Sports, No to Drugs", promoting sports as a positive alternative and reinforcing the importance of leading a healthy, drug-free life.
AALO: The West Siang District Administration observed the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking today under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA) on the theme ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan – Viksit Bharat Ki Pehchaan’ at Nehru Memorial Govt Hr Sec School (NMGHSS), Aalo.
The programme commenced with the screening of short awareness films highlighting the adverse consequences of drug abuse and the importance of prevention through informed choices and community participation.
Delivering the first technical session, Gammi Riba, Founder, Love & Care Rehabilitation Centre, Hissam, Aalo, spoke on ‘Psychoactive Substances: Acute Behavioural Effects, Withdrawal Features and Effects of Prolonged Use’.
He sensitized the students on the physical, psychological and social impacts of psychoactive substances, explaining how addiction affects individuals, families and society. He also emphasized the importance of early intervention, counselling, rehabilitation and community support in overcoming substance dependence.
The second technical session was delivered by SI Lekhi Mena, Aalo Police Station, who elaborated on the legal consequences of drug abuse and drug trafficking under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. He explained the stringent legal provisions relating to the possession, consumption, transportation and trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, while urging the students to remain vigilant, stay away from drugs and cooperate with law enforcement agencies in building a drug-free society.
Addressing the gathering, Yomkar Sora, Vice Principal NMGHSS Aalo, encouraged the students to lead healthy and disciplined lives, refrain from substance abuse, and become ambassadors of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan by spreading awareness among their peers, families and communities.
As part of the observance, the participants took a Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan pledge, reaffirming their commitment to reject substance abuse and contribute towards building a healthier, safer and drug-free nation. A Signature Campaign under the NMBA was also conducted, wherein students, teachers, officials and other participants voluntarily pledged their support to the nationwide movement against drug abuse. In addition, all participants took the online NMBA pledge through the designated portal.
Further, as part of the district-wide observance of the Day, mass pledge drives under the NMBA were conducted across schools in West Siang district with the active support and cooperation of the Department of Education, reaffirming the collective commitment of the district towards achieving the vision of a Drug-Free India.
TAWANG: On the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2026, the Tawang Police Station and Women Police Station jointly organized an awareness programme under the leadership of the OC Inspector Nii Angu on the theme ‘To Save the Younger Generation from Illicit Drug Abuse’ at Govt Sec School Bomba.
Inspector Angu delivered an informative lecture on the POCSO Act, 2012, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding children from sexual offences. The session concluded with a pledge to build and promote a drug-free environment.
ASI T Tashi addressed the gathering on the issue of ragging, highlighting its harmful consequences and the need to foster a safe and respectful educational environment.
ASI (SG) S Tsering conducted a practical self-defence demonstration, encouraging participants—especially young girls—to learn basic self-defence techniques for their personal safety and confidence in everyday life.
Lady Constable P Tsomu spoke on the NDPS Act and elaborated on the devastating physical, mental, social, and economic impacts of drug abuse, urging everyone to stay away from narcotic substances.
Lady Constable D. Jangmu delivered an awareness talk on child marriage, explaining its adverse impact on education, health, and the overall development of children, while stressing the importance of protecting children's rights.
The programme concluded with the participants taking a collective pledge to work towards creating a drug-free society and protecting the younger generation from substance abuse.
Meanwhile, Model English School, Itanagar in collaboration with the Arunachal Pradesh State AIDS Control Society (APSACS), Naharlagun observed the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2026.
On the occasion, APSACS Deputy Director Tashor Pali enlightened the gathering on the use, misuse and abuse of drugs among the youth and the prevailing but very alarming situation with special reference to Arunachal Pradesh. (With inputs from DIPROs)