Minister Recognizes International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Justice, is recognizing today as International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Declared in 1987 by the General Assembly of the United Nations, June 26 is designated annually to raise awareness of the major problem that illicit drugs represent to society.

"Drug trafficking and organized crime persist as significant issues across the globe," said Minister King. "In Newfoundland and Labrador, our dedicated law enforcement officers continue to work hard to find and charge drug dealers and to remove illicit drugs from our province.”

In its efforts to combat crime, including the illicit drug trade, the Provincial Government has significantly increased its investment in the province’s police services. Since 2004, approximately $920 million has been invested in the RCMP and the RNC and the total annual policing budget in Newfoundland and Labrador has increased by approximately $50 million. Over that period, more than 140 new officers have been added to the system.

Also, Budget 2013: A Sound Plan, A Secure Future included approximately $1 million for the creation of a joint provincial Task Force on Child Exploitation and Drugs to strengthen the fight against crimes in our communities which include illegal drugs.

“This new approach to fighting crime involves enhanced cooperation between the RNC and the RCMP and demonstrates this government’s commitment to combatting illicit trafficking in Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Minister King.

Today, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador joins individuals, communities and various organizations all over the world in this international campaign in taking a stand against drug abuse and drug trafficking.

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Media contact:
Luke Joyce
Director of Communications
Department of Justice
709-729-6985, 725-4165
lukejoyce@gov.nl.ca

2013 06 26             1:50 p.m.