Kathmandu, June 26: Home Minister Govind Raj Joshi inaugurated a morning procession today on the -occasion of the International Year against Drug Abuse and Trafficking – 2000 by handing over a main banner depicting the slogan ‘let’s face the reality and counter corruption and violence’.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister Joshi said trafficking and abuse of drugs are national crimes and the government is committed to control them.

Minister Joshi noted that the family, society and the nation have been perplexed by drug abuse adding that all the social organisations and conscious citizens should unite to control it.

As trafficking also encourages terrorist activities and cannot be controlled by the law alone, what we have to do is to spread awareness in society, he added.

On the occasion, IGP Achyut Krishna Kharel said the fight against drug abuse and trafficking is on across the world, adding that if we are able to defeat this we can envisage a health society.

Home Secretary Padma Prasad Pokhrel, from the chair, said the development programmes of the country will be affected if we cannot control this problem in time.

Chief drug control officer and Joint Secretary at the Home Ministry Usha Nepal said we should be alert towards building a healthy society.

The morning procession which began from Tundikhel passed through various parts of town.

Participating in the procession were chief guest and Home Minister Joshi, other high ranking officials, officials of various organisations, sportsmen, scouts, students, teachers and a police band. A play entitled ‘Sangat’ was also staged on the occasion.