speakers said that the public, particularly young people, should be made more aware of the serious damage that drug abuse caused to the health of individuals. Several others expressed the view that the media should convey the detrimental effects of drug abuse on individuals, their families and society. The view was expressed that epidemiological studies should be undertaken that would provide a critical assessment of the social roots of drug abuse and addiction, with a view to finding effective remedies for use in prevention and rehabilitation programmes. 16. Some speakers commented on the dangerous implications of recent arguments in favour of legalizing the sale of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. It was pointed out that such a development would go against the objectives of international drug control and would only serve to enrich traffickers. 17. Several speakers emphasized that it was important for the United Nations to develop and implement programmes to reduce and eradicate the supply of illicit drugs. Reference was made to special measures adopted in individual countries to curb the illicit supply of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. Some speakers informed the meeting of sanctions, such as the confiscation of land and property, imposed on farmers involved in the illicit cultivation of narcotic plants. Several speakers expressed the view that more resources should be invested in comprehensive programmes for rural development, including programmes aimed at encouraging alternative markets for substituted crops. 18. One speaker indicated that, following the adoption and application of stringent penal measures, no illicit poppy cultivation or heroin laboratory had been detected in his country. He reiterated the proposal of his Government regarding the urgent need to identify the scale and location of illicit poppy cultivation in the Near and Middle East with a view to adopting appropriate countermeasures. Another speaker expressed his support for the 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the issue of drug abuse and its effects on individuals, families, and society. It also touches on the topic of illegal drug cultivation and trafficking, and proposes measures to prevent and combat these problems. Given the focus on health, social, and economic issues related to drug abuse, it is likely that the text falls under the categories related to these areas.

**Category**
Health, International relations