Over 115, 000 minors addicted to alcohol and drugs across the country

COLOMBO (News 1st) - A survey revealed that nearly 115,000 minors are addicted to alcohol, cigarettes and a number of illegal drugs such as cannabis and heroin. Dr Samantha Kithalawarachchi, Advisory of the National Authority for the Rehabilitation of Drug Addicts, noted that the survey was conducted in cooperation with the Presidential Task Force on Drugs, the Dangerous Drugs Control Board and the Police. Dr Kithalawarachchi further noted that nearly 100,000 and over 300 000 individuals across the island were found to be addicted to heroin and cannabis respectively. In addition, around 24,211 individuals are known to be using various stimulant tablets. The survey states that the majority of the addicts are located in the Western province followed by the Central and North-Western provinces. Dr Samantha Kithalawarchhi finally added that the report of the survey was handed over to President Maithripala Sirisena recently.

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