CAB 17/01
IN FIGHT AGAINST DRUGS
UK Anti-Drugs Co-ordinator Keith Hellawell today highlighted the importance of an international approach towards the fight against drugs.
Speaking at the London launch of the United Nations Drug Control Programme''s World Drug Report 2000 at the Marine Unit Boatyard, Mr Hellawell said:
"The Government''s 10 year anti-drugs strategy sets tough targets to reduce the availability of drugs on our streets. These will only be achieved by a concerted effort from the international community at all levels, political, diplomatic as well as law enforcement. Our long support of the United Nations Drug Control programmes is one measure of the UK''s contribution."
He continued:
"The UK is also working directly with other Governments particularly on the heroin and cocaine routes to choke off the supply of drugs, pre-cursor chemicals and money. This work is achieving substantial success as 594 kilos of heroin and 3.5 tonnes of cocaine were seized in 1998-1999 and 32 organisations have been dismantled."
UNDCP Executive Director Pino Arlacchi was also speaking at the launch.
The organisation''s work includes developing projects in priority countries from which drugs for UK markets are produced or trafficked, including Colombia, Iran, Turkey and the Balkan route.
Stifling availability of illegal drugs is a key part of the UK''s anti-drugs strategy which also aims to help young people resist drug misuse; protect communities from drugs-related anti-social behaviour and improve the availability of treatment to drugs misusers.
NOTES FOR EDITORS
1. The UK''s 10-year anti-drugs strategy is in its third year. The second annual report can be accessed at: http://www.cabinet-office.gov.uk/anti-drugs/ukadcu
2. The UN estimates the world trade in illicit drugs has a turnover equivalent to 8 per cent of total world trade
3. Britain was the third-largest donor to UNDCP during 1999/2000
4. The United Nations General Assembly established targets at a Special Session in 1998 to substantially reduce the world''s drug problem by the year 2008
