Members of the community are being urged to join in the UN International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking today.

And schoolchildren are being challenged to take part in two contests aimed at raising awareness of the undesirable effects of drugs on the community.

Primary, middle and senior schoolchildren are being asked to write an essay on what should be done to deter people from taking drugs and also to come up with a name for a new Drug Free Mascot.

The theme of this year?s UN International Day Against Drug Abuse is ?drugs are not child?s play? and communities around the world are being encouraged to focus their attention on informing young people and those who have a role in shaping their lives, including teachers, parents and community leaders, about the dangers of drugs and how to keep children away from them.

The global initiative is being supported in Bermuda by the Ministry for the National Drug Control. The Minister for National Drug Control Wayne Perinchief said it was important for the public to stand in unity against the common enemy of drug abuse and illicit trafficking of drugs.

Details of the two contests for schoolchildren have been announced by the Ministry. Mr. Perinchief said the new drug free mascot would appear at public events to remind adults they need to be conscious of the kinds of behaviours they exhibit in front of children, such as consuming alcohol in the presence of children during holiday events.