Pubdate: Tue, 03 Sep 2002 Source: Tehran Times (Iran) Copyright: 2002 Tehran Times Contact: http://www.tehrantimes.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1903 DRUG TRADE RANKS THIRD IN WORLD COMMERCE: OFFICIAL TEHRAN -- Secretary General of anti-narcotics headquarters Ali Hashemi here Sunday alluded to international Mafia and national spy agencies as the key players in international drug smuggling. "Today drug-trafficking with a turnover of U.S. $1,500 billion annually ranks first in international commerce followed by transaction in goods and services and the oil trade," he pointed out, IRNA reported. Speaking at a session of Tehran Province drug-smuggling committee, he added that the special political, social and economic situation in the country also plays a role in drug trade. "The situation has direct correlation with higher drug trafficking and addiction", he underlined. The third factor in drug smuggling is Iran's geo-political position as the neighbor of the largest producer of narcotics in the world, as well as international conditions and the globalization trend. "While, there is no single definition of addiction in the society, there should a balance between two views of addiction, one as a felony and the other as a disease," Hashemi noted. He also cautioned that if there are no remedies outlined in combating the drug menace aiming to reign in its (smuggling) foreign and domestic threats, then there could be future repercussions. He also alluded to the plans for drafting a comprehensive proposal to combat drug trafficking. "Beginning 2003, the plan will be carried out in two five-year schemes to control and combat drug trafficking and addiction", he said. Earlier, the Head of Police Anti-Drug Center Colonel Mahdi Abouei here Saturday criticized the anti-narcotics headquarters' related-agencies for their lack of cooperation in drug prevention and treatment plans. Abouei also cited the formation of a special center to intensify the police-judicial cooperation in countering smuggling and distribution of illicit drugs. He added that the center's task is to mete out harsher punishment for those caught distributing drugs in large cities. The officer said that the police organization plan's this year are to create an unsafe environment for distributors and dealers of narcotics, mopping up of drug-infested areas and prevention of public drug-dealing. He said that over 2,500 smugglers have been arrested in Tehran in last 45 days. Further, Abouei stated 3,500 operations were carried out in selected areas, 29,000 people were arrested and 1.5 tons of narcotics also seized in the last Iranian year (ended March 20). - --- MAP posted-by: Alex