Today marks the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, and on the occasion Armenia’s Ministry of Health reports that the number of drug addicts in the country has risen 6% from last year’s figure of 6,544.

The ministry reports that of the 6,951 current drug addicts in Armenia, 2,552 are hooked on opium and 4,394 are cannabinoid addicts.

The age breakdown of addicts in Armenia is as follows:  64% (28-49), 19.5% (50-64), 18% (19-27). Thereare18 addicts over the age of 65 and 11 under the age of 18.

52% of the addicts reside in Yerevan, the country’s capital. 18% reside in Armavir Province, followed by Kotayk (10%).

By resolution 42/112 of 7 December 1987, the U.N. General Assembly decided to observe 26 June as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking as an expression of its determination to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse.