This was stated by the Director of S C Patel Trust Yogesh Patel, who has returned to Vadodara after attending a workshop on `Networking arrangements among national apex institutions, law enforcement agencies and non-governmental Organisations with regard to supply control, demand reduction, de-addiction rehabilitation and reintegration of Drug Addicts in the Society' held at Kathmandu.

The three-day-workshop opened on October 26 and was attended by the SAARC countries. It was held in the backdrop of growing concern over problems of drug abuse and illicit trafficking, which is growing worldwide. Dr Patel was accompanied by Deputy Secretary of Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Atul Chaturvedi.

The workshop's aim was to establish an effective networking arrangement among the apex institutions in SAARC countries to ensure effective co-operation in investigation, prosecution and regular flow of information. The workshop also stressed on exchange of expertise, technology and experience is necessary for effective control of trans-border trafficking and establishment of regional database.