Shimla | TNR
Chief Minister Jairam Thakur released the Hindi translation of two research publications, Global Synthetic Drugs Report 2020 and Regional Overview: Asia and Oceania 20202 under GLO SMART, a global project of the United Nations Drug and Crime Office (UNODC) here on Wednesday. The Global SMART programme, which is Synthetics Monitoring Analysis, Reporting and Trends, aims to improve the capacity of member states to manage, analyse, report and share information on illegal synthetic drugs. The South Asian component of the programme was launched last year.
UNODC cooperation appreciated
Speaking on the occasion, Thakur appreciated the cooperation made by UNODC in assisting law enforcement agencies of the state in combating the growing menace of drug abuse. He added that Himachal had constituted a Drug Prevention Board. The state, he said, was committed to the eradication of drug trafficking and looked forward to the cooperation and participation of the UNODC.
Thakur said that the information shared by UNODC and the efforts made to train law enforcement agencies and forensic laboratories are commendable. He called upon all generations of society, particularly the younger generation to work towards a drug-free society.
UNODC global head explains SMART programme components
The global head of the UNODC SMART programme, Martin Ralthelhuber from Vienna also joined the programme online and explained the various components of the SMART programme. These he said were the first Hindi translations done by SMART at the request of the Himachal Pradesh Drug Prevention Board to ensure a wider reach in the state. He also assured the continuous support of UNODC in the state’s fight against drugs.
Overview of programmes
Law Enforcement Specialist, Jayant Mishra from UNODC’s regional office for South Asia gave a brief overview of the training programmes conducted by the office during the past year.
Om Prakash Sharma, Convenor, Himachal Pradesh Drug Prevention Board expressed his gratitude to UNODC for imparting training to law enforcement agency officers.
Additional Chief Secretary, State Tax and Excise, JC Sharma and state tax and excise commissioner and member secretary,Yunus, of Himachal Pradesh Drug Prevention Board were also present.
