Almost $10 million worth of drugs were seized in Bermuda last year prompting the Department of National Drug Control to join with the United Nations to launch a global campaign against drug abuse.

The figure, $9.5 million, is made up of 190 kilos of cannabis, 1.3 kilos of cocaine and 1.2 kilos of crack cocaine. Out of the cannabis, there were 218 plants seized.

The Department for National Drug Control (DNDC) within the Ministry of Culture and Social Rehabilitation announced yesterday it would be joining the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to help launch a global campaign today.

The day has been declared the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking with the slogan 'Do drugs control your life? Your Life. Your community. No Place for drugs'.

The focus for the year is drug cultivation and production. Raising awareness of the problem illicit drugs can cause a society is the main goal of the campaign.

A press release said: "As a country that has a recognised drug problem, Bermuda welcomes the opportunity to participate in this international campaign since it will also serve to highlight the concerted efforts of the Government in addressing the local drug problem.