80,000 people addicted to different drugs in Balkh

MAZAR-I-SHARIF (Pajhwok): Local officials say 10,000 drug addicts out of about 90,000 have completed their rehabilitation course and have been handed over to their families in northern Balkh province.

Juma Khan Rasikh, counter-narcotics head at Balkh police headqaurters, told Pajhwok Afghan News that 90,000 people, including women, children and young people, were addicted to different drugs in the province.

But 10,000 of the addicted individuals received treatment in 12 different rehabilitation centres before they were reunited with their families, he added.

He said 267 people were arrested for smuggling and selling narcotics last year and their cases referred to judicial organs.

However, a number of addicts who received treatment are urging the government to provide them with employment.

Parwaiz, 20, who consumed drugs for six years, told Pajhwok that he was rehabilitated after completing a 45-day treatment course. He asked the government to create job opportunities for rehabilitated addicts.

Reza Jafari, another rehabilitated person, said most people turn to drugs due to unemployment.

Meanwhile, Public Health director Dr Najibullah Tawana said they provided awareness about health harms of using narcotics to about 20,000 people.

Tawana said they held coordination meetings with officials of the municipality, the labour and social affairs department in order to provide job opportunities to the addicts after their treatment.

sa/ma

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