MINISTRY OF NATIONAL SECURITY

Corporate Communications Unit

Temple Court 1 31-33 Abercromby Street Port-of-Spain

Tel: (868) 624-5771; 623-2441-8; Fax: (868) 625-3925; Email: corpcomm@mns.gov.tt

MEDIA RELEASE RECOGNITION OF INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST DRUG ABUSE AND ILLICIT TRAFFICKING WITH TREASURE HUNT
Tuesday 25th June 2013. The Ministry of National Securitys , National Drug Council (NDC), will host its annual Treasure Hunt Event on Wednesday, June 26, 2013 beginning at 9:00am in and around Port of Spain. Fifteen teams from various government-related agencies will compete for bragging rights. The Treasure Hunt is organized by the Multi-Sectoral Planning Committee of the National Drug Council, of the Ministry of National Security in recognition of The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Under the global theme Make Health your New High in Life, Not Drugs , the Planning Committee will use this activity to commemorate the day on Wednesday 26th June 2013. The main objective of the event is to increase the publics awareness on the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The days activities run from 9:00a.m. and will feature fifteen 5-person teams completing several challenges, solving riddles and searching the length and breadth of Port of Spain for hidden treasure. The teams will race against the clock in efforts to win the grand prize and dethrone last years champions, The Red Cross Society.

Some of the agencies carded to participate include: The Defending Champions, The Ministries of Public Administration, Community Development, Justice and Tertiary Education and Skills Training; in addition to among others. A Global Initiative Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1987, The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is recognized on June 26th each year. The day serves as a reminder of the goals agreed to by Member States of creating an international society free of drugs. The world drug campaign is championed by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). About the NDC The National Drug Council (NDC) was established by Cabinet in July 2000, with the primary role of providing a forum for stakeholders to meet and exchange information on all drug related initiatives in Trinidad and Tobago. The composition of the Council reflects agencies that are involved in demand reduction, supply control, security issues, enforcement and financial monitoring. Civilian Conservation Corps, The T&T Police Service, The T&T Defence Force, The National Parent Teachers Association, The National Mentorship Programme

### Marcia Hope, Director - Corporate Communications Unit

SCENES FROM 2012 TREASURE HUNT

Treasure Hunt Champions 2012, The Red Cross Society, after receiving their prize from Cheryl St. Louis-Felix of the National Drug Council.

A Team Participates in the Simulated Anti- Drug Smuggling Exercise as part of last years Treasure Hunt.

Trying to Solve the Clues