NCB'S NO DRUGS AT ALL

The nation's youth is the main focus on International Day Against
Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking which was launched at the Hua
Ho Petani Mall in Tutong yesterday.

Present as guest of honour to launch the four-day event was Dayang
Hjh Apsah bte Haji Abd Majid, Permanent Secretary, Core Education, at
the Ministry of Education, who said this year's theme of "Menjana
Tunas Bangsa Bebas Dadah," is most appropriate as it highlights the
nation's youth.

"The theme is also in support of His Majesty's titah at this year's
National Day where he stressed on issues concerning drug abuse and
the nation's youth. This theme also shows the sultanate's priorities
on peace, development and the direction youths are headed in. Our
youth and students are the country's assets who will inherit the
earth as a race, country and religion," she added.

"Drug abuse will destroy a person, a family's harmony and ruin the
peace of the community which will affect the stability of a country.
This is why the involvement of the community is important - parents,
teachers and heads of communities being role models. - so we can
reduce/prevent ... it is not impossible to stop these negative
activities," she said.

The event, organised by the Narcotics Control Bureau, also saw choir
performances by Orang Kaya Besar Imas Primary School and Muda Hashim
Secondary School Tutong and a pantomime by the Rakis Theatre Club of UBD.

A new NCB slogan called "NDA" was also launched. NDA, which is
synonymous in the Brunei community, translates to 'No Drugs at All'.

The NCB and the Ministry of Education will continue to work together
in providing drugs prevention education amongst the youths of all
ages. The International Day Against Drug Abuse continues with
activities such as anti-drugs quizzes, lucky draw, colouring contest,
band performances, essay writing competition and anti-drugs
exploration competition.