Drug offenders are subject to heavy penalties, and the act provides legal grounds for dealing with all aspects of drug-related offenses. Since drug trafficking is really viewed as an international problem, the Iranian government believes that countries which reach agreements in international conferences and meetings must work together according to common objectives and methods. In addition, research must be conducted to eliminate drug production and drug addiction. Nationally, Iran has initiated a program to combat the production and abuse of drugs. Public participation is one of the program's main characteristics. Another major characteristic is the 1988 law. One of the primary objectives of Iran's efforts is to prevent drugs from reaching users. Seizures of 11,068 kilograms in 1979 rose to 35,145 kilograms in 1989. Those seizures predominantly involved opium followed by cannabis, heroin, and morphine. Iran attempts to address all facets of the drug problem. These efforts encompass extensive and strict border controls, identifying and combating drug traffickers and organized gangs, and arresting addicts and arranging for them to receive treatment and rehabilitation in special centers.