Rallies and awareness programmes marked the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking observed on theme of “Start Run, Stop Drugs” under the auspices of the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) and Prohibition and Excise Department on Friday.

In Tiruchi, District Collector Pratik Tayal led an oath-taking ceremony against drugs and flagged off a run at the Anna Stadium on a route that traversed TVS Toll Gate, Mannarpuram Roundabout, and Khajamalai before leading back to the starting point, on Friday. Over 500 residents above the age of 14 participated in the event.

Minister for Minorities Welfare A.M. Shahjahan inaugurated the public awareness activities in Thanjavur on Friday. District Collector R. Revathi and MLA R. Vijayasaravanan were present.

In Nagapattinam, District Collector K.J. Praveen Kumar launched the run at Avuri Thidal. Nagapattinam, and Keelvelur MLAs A. R. Jawahirullah and T. Latha respectively were present.

Pudukottai District Collector M. Aruna led the anti-drugs programmes on Friday. Over 1,000 school and college students participated in the 5-km run. A public signature campaign was also conducted on the day.

In Perambalur, District Collector Sharanya Ari inaugurated the day’s events with an oath-taking ceremony and awareness run that saw the participation of approximately 500 students, sports enthusiasts and members of the public.