An awareness programme marking the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was held at the Erode Collectorate on Thursday (June 25, 2026).

Organised by the District Child Protection Unit, the programme focused on creating awareness among the public and students about the physical, mental and social consequences of drug abuse. Addressing the gathering, Collector S. Kandasamy said that collective efforts were needed to build a healthy and drug-free society.

An anti-drug pledge was administered to school and college students, volunteers and government officials. The participants pledged to stay away from drugs, encourage family members and friends to do the same, support the rehabilitation of persons affected by addiction and cooperate with the government’s efforts to eradicate narcotic substances from the State.

The Collector distributed trophies and certificates to students from three children’s homes that secured the top positions in a poster and exhibition competition on the ill-effects of drug abuse. The competition was organised among students from 15 children’s homes.

Medals and certificates of appreciation were also presented to personnel from the police, railway police, bus stand police and members of the Singappen Special Force for their cooperation with the District Child Protection Unit. As part of the awareness campaign, the Collector released T-shirts and jute bags carrying QR codes containing information on drug prevention.

District Superintendent of Police D.V. Kiran Shruthi, District Revenue Officer S. Santha Kumar, District Supply Officer Ramkumar, District Child Protection Officer Uma Maheswari and other officials participated in the programme.