Brazil's government started on Monday a National Anti-Drug campaign called "Say yes to Life". The goal is to educate and empower youth to reject illicit drugs.

Resident walks in front of a wall, painted with faces of the Brazilian soccer stars Ronaldinho (L) and Cafu (R) to celebrate the World Cup, in Sao Paulo, June 17, 2006.[Reuters]

Several comic books featuring Ronaldinho as a character will be distributed in schools throughout the country. The comic books were created by Brazilian designer Mauricio de Souza. Their goal is to "help send kids an anti-drug message through their idols".

Brazil's National Anti-Drug Secretary Paulo Uchoa said the government intends to mobilize state and mayor offices, schools, different religions, companies, everyone "who can help avoid young people to be seduced by drugs."

"The civil society has a fundamental role in avoiding youth's involvement with drugs but has only a small participation today," Uchoa said. "We need them to work together with the government if we want to empower youth to reject drugs because they know it's bad for them, not only because they fear their parents or the police."

Uchoa also said the National Anti-Drug Divisions major concern now is to improve and enlarge police assets against drug trafficking. He added that the anti-drug law recently approved by the Congress will help reducing drug trafficking in the country.

The new anti-drug law increases jail term for convicted drug dealers and states that addicts have to be judged by a special jury.