Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay flagged off and participated in an anti-drug awareness marathon in Chennai on International Day Against Drug Abuse, taking a public pledge to eliminate drug abuse and strengthen the state's fight against narcotics.
Chennai: Marking the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph C Vijay participated in an anti-drug awareness marathon in Chennai, urging people to join the fight against drug abuse and pledging to eliminate narcotics from the state.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay flagged off an anti-drug awareness marathon in Chennai on Friday to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Held along Kamaraj Salai under the theme 'Start Run… Stop Drugs', the event aimed to raise public awareness about the dangers of drug abuse while encouraging collective action against narcotics.
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Vijay did more than inaugurate the event—he joined participants in the marathon, running alongside the public to reinforce the government's anti-drug message. The event was also attended by Minister Adhav Arjuna and several officials.
Before the marathon began, the Chief Minister wrote and signed an anti-drug awareness message on a banner displayed at the venue. He then led participants in taking a public pledge against drug abuse, promising not to consume drugs, to encourage family and friends to stay away from narcotics, and to support the rehabilitation of people struggling with addiction.
In the pledge, Vijay also called for public cooperation in preventing the production, trafficking and consumption of illegal drugs. He emphasised that citizens should work together with the government to eradicate drug abuse from Tamil Nadu and contribute to the state's development and the well-being of its people.
The awareness drive comes at a time when opposition parties have criticised the government over allegations related to drug trafficking and law and order. In response, the Tamil Nadu government has announced several measures to strengthen its anti-drug campaign, including the formation of special forces in every district to crack down on narcotics and prevent illegal drug trafficking.
The marathon formed part of the state's broader campaign to spread awareness among young people about the dangers of substance abuse and encourage greater public participation in creating a drug-free Tamil Nadu.
Published: 26 Jun 2026, 08:13 am IST
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