New Delhi, June 25 (IANS): President Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday said law enforcement agencies should be sensitised to the needs of victims of substance abuse.

In a message to the Narcotics Control Bureau of India on the occasion of International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (June 26), the president said drug abuse was a "psycho-social-medical" problem requiring a "holistic approach" and "comprehensive treatment programme", according to a statement from Rashtrapati Bhavan.

"Attention should be focused on enabling addicts become productive members of the society by making them drug free, crime free and gainfully employed. Generating continuous and sustained awareness about the harmful effects of drug abuse is also important," Mukherjee said.

Stressing the need to mobilising community resources and seeking greater community participation, the president said: "Law enforcement agencies should be sensitised to the needs of victims of substance abuse to enable them to be rehabilitated and re-integrated into society."

"I extend my best wishes to the Narcotics Control Bureau and other law enforcement agencies on this occasion. I urge all stakeholders to unitedly address the problem of drug abuse in a holistic and sensitive manner," he said further.