Imphal, December 19 2008: Since the All Manipur Anti-Drug Association (AMADA) was established three years back, drugs and intoxicants worth Rs 1,89,75,257 have been seized.

Briefing media persons ahead of its third foundation day celebration at Ningthoukhong Boys' High School ground tomorrow, AMADA drive committee secretary K Meghachandra summarised its activities during the last three years.

Till date, AMADA has opened 114 local units and 4 district councils.

During the same period, 5927 drug/intoxicant abusers/peddlers were pulled up.

Out of them, 201 drug abusers whose health conditions were in bad shape have been put in rehabilitation centres after consultation with their parents/families, Meghachandra said.

Academic awareness programmes, sports championships under sports development mission, mass awareness programmes on drug abuse, blood donation, social service camps, seminar and health camps were some of the activities AMADA undertook in the last three years, he recounted.

On being asked about the results of its anti-drug campaign, Meghachandra claimed that the rate of awareness among youths on the negative sides of drug abuse has grown significantly.

One clear example is the considerable number of youths who have now joined AMADA although they used to abuse drugs earlier.

Further, more and more parents are coming to AMADA for treatment of their drug abusing children, he said.

Saying that the ongoing anti-drug campaigns will continue, Meghachandra confided that what is difficult is not pulling up a drug/intoxicant abuser but the means and ways to refrain a drug abuser from taking up drugs again after treatment.

Taking part in the press meet, AMADA human resource secretary Bobo conceded that the anti-drug campaign of AMADA and other like minded organisations would not be able to control drug/intoxicant abuse completely.

He asserted that what is more crucial in the anti-drug campaign is creating awareness on the negative impacts of drug abuse among the mass.

Bobo observed that the menace of drug abuse can be reduced considerable if the Government, doctors, parents, pharmacists and others make a collective effort towards this effect.

Recounting mistakes committed and injuries caused during its anti-drug campaign, AMADA functionaries pledged that they will take utmost care to avoid any mistake in future.

They also sought public support towards its campaign.

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