On March 24, 2014 the launch of a wide-scale anti-drug campaign - “No to Bio Drugs” was announced by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia. The state agencies such as the Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia, Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia, Ministry of Finance of Georgia, Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs of Georgia have been actively involved in the campaign.
The campaign aims at broadly informing the society and especially the youth concerning various negative effects of illicit traffic in drugs. By doing so the Ministry of Internal Affairs conducts its primary function of prevention. The Georgian police effectively reacts to each and every crime committed, however, the police intervention is far more important before the crime is committed. And one of the best ways to do so is to inform the society; this approach complies with the western standards and with the community-oriented police concept, having being established in Georgia over the last two years. Involvement of the whole population, all segments of the society in the fight against drug abuse is highly important for the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia. And therefore, the campaign has the following slogan: “Let’s Change the Attitude Together”.
Within the framework of the anti-drug campaign the Minister of Internal Affairs and other representatives of the Ministry, together with the health protection sector representatives, have met with the young generation at schools and universities. They have presented the information on legal consequences of illicit traffic in drugs as well as on negative effects of drug consumption for the life and health of an individual, to the youth. Different representatives of sports and art have joined the campaign; they have conducted a number of supportive activities.
Coverage of the anti-drug campaign has been especially far-reaching among the media and social network. The campaign has been intensively reported in the news, various shows have addressed the issue, also the issue has been actively discussed on social networks and internet blogs. Upon initiative of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, media contest has been held, within the framework of which media representatives have been awarded in various nominations. A great number of television and radio programs, shows, articles, etc. have been presented during the contest.
Overall, the main messages of the campaign have reached all segments of the society and especially the most vulnerable groups in this regard – the youth, what indeed has resulted in reducing drug consumption and prevention of drug use in the country.