MFDS Holds Ceremony for International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking... 19 Meritorious Persons Awarded

The 36th International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
"From Eradicating Illegal Drugs to Supporting Addicts' Social Reintegration, We Will Manage Thoroughly"

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-won] The government awarded 19 individuals for their contributions to drug eradication in observance of the 26th International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

On the 24th, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety held a commemorative ceremony at Samjung Hotel in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and misuse and to expand interest in combating illegal drugs, presenting awards to those who have made significant contributions.

The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was designated by the United Nations (UN) in 1987 to raise awareness about drugs and to build an international society free from drug abuse. South Korea has observed this day since 1991, and in 2017, it was established as a legal commemorative day through the revision of the "Act on the Control of Narcotics, etc."

During the ceremony, awards were first presented to those who contributed to drug eradication. Kim Hong-dong, president of the Korea Epilepsy Association, who contributed to expanding treatment opportunities for patients with rare diseases including the introduction of medical cannabis, received the Order of Civil Merit. Police Superintendent Kim Dae-gyu of the National Police Agency, who worked on cracking down on illegal drug smuggling overseas and preventing drug addiction among vulnerable groups, was awarded the Order of Service Merit. In total, 19 medals and commendations were presented.

To raise awareness about the dangers of drug addiction, a documentary featuring stories of actual drug addicts and interviews with their families was screened. An anti-drug abuse public service announcement produced by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety was also introduced.

Additionally, the Ministry explained key policies for the safe management of narcotics, including ▲ inter-agency collaboration to eradicate illegal drug distribution ▲ rehabilitation support for drug addicts ▲ creating an appropriate prescription environment for medical narcotics ▲ expanding treatment opportunities for patients with rare diseases using narcotic medicines.

At the ceremony, Oh Yu-kyung, Commissioner of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, stated, "To realize a society safe from drugs, we will manage comprehensively and meticulously from eradicating illegal narcotics to supporting the social reintegration of addicts." She added, "I deeply thank everyone working on the front lines to combat illegal narcotics, and I hope that in addition to the government's efforts, all citizens recognize the seriousness of drug abuse and each become a drug eradication ambassador."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.