One in 200 people is problem drug user – UNODC

Worldwide about 27 million people or one in every 200 is a problem drug user, according to the annual report by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

The 2012 World Drug Report released last Tuesday, also finds that roughly 200,000 people die every year from narcotics abuse, with cannabis remaining the most popular drug of choice.

UNODC Executive Director Yury Fedotov told the General Assembly on Tuesday that countering transnational organized crime and illicit drugs must become an integral part of the development agenda.

“If we are to meet all the challenges in a comprehensive fashion we must also reduce the demand for drugs. UNODC approaches to reducing drug demand are firmly based on prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, reintegration and health and all our work is firmly anchored in human rights.”

The Assembly debate on drugs and crime as a threat to development coincides with the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, observed on 26 June.

Source: UN Radio