The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the global customs community (182 member administrations) is pleased to join the United Nations (UN) family and the rest of the world in marking the 2017 International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The theme for 2017 is "Listen First - Listening to children and youth is the first step to help them grow healthy and safe."

As a result of the popularization of social networks and e-commerce, illicit drugs are now more accessible to the younger generation through the Internet. The growing popularity of synthetic drugs and stimulants also poses threats to the health and safety of communities around the world. 

“In response to these challenges, the global Customs community continues to join hands and fight against the trade in illicit narcotics and other harmful products, making every effort to help the younger generation prosper in a drugs free environment,” added the WCO Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya on this occasion.

Over the past years, the WCO has organized, coordinated and supported numerous operations aimed at bringing drug trafficking to a halt, thereby contributing significantly to UN efforts to achieve the goals laid down in the 2009 ‘Political Declaration and Plan of Action on International Cooperation towards an Integrated and Balanced Strategy to Counter the World Drug Problem.’

The decision to celebrate the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on 26 June goes back to 7 December 1987 when the resolution 42/112 was taken. It has been celebrated every year ever since with a specific theme. This year’s theme aims at increasing support for the prevention of drug use for the well-being of children and youth, including their families and communities.