US President Donald Trump appeals for global action against drug trade

New York: ‘The drugs trade is connected with ‘Organised Crime’, ‘Black Money’, ‘Corruption’ and ‘Terrorism’. The drugs trade is a major threat to public health and national security. Therefore, all the countries in the world should unite against the drug trade,’ appealed US President Donald Trump. 129 countries in the world have given positive reactions to the appeal made by President Trump before the UN General Assembly meeting.

The 73rd UN General Assembly meeting is scheduled to start within the next few hours. President Trump welcomed all the delegates and Heads of States from around the world, who have assembled for the meeting and pointed out the significance of drug trade. “A large number of people from around the world can be saved if we decide to take joint action against the drug trade,” appealed President Trump.

Trump said that there is a need for action against production, trade, smuggling and consumption of narcotics. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres welcomed the US President’s position.

Representatives of 129 countries signed a declaration regarding action against drugs. These include China, Mexico, Canada and Columbia. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, however, refused to sign the declaration. Prime Minister Ardern said that she did not agree with President Trump’s stand.

It is claimed that the production of narcotics in the last one and a half years has reached record levels. More than 30 million people from around the world are undergoing de-addiction therapy. 450,000 people have lost their lives owing to overindulgence and their numbers in the United States are said to be alarmingly high.

More than 72,000 people died in the United States alone in the last year due to overindulgence.

President Trump has made some stringent rules for controlling the use and smuggling of these drugs. There is provision for harsh punishments and even death penalty for people guilty of these crimes. These decisions by Trump had elicited severe criticism from his opponents. President Trump had announced a worldwide battle against drugs in the month of March.

President Trump also announced complete support for the operation started by the Columbian and Philippines governments against drugs.