Pubdate: Wed, 25 Jun 2003 Source: IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency (Iran Wire) Copyright: 2003sIslamic Republic News Agency Contact: http://www.irna.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2777 POLICE CHIEF WARNS ON CHANGE OF ADDICTION PATTERNS AMONG YOUTH Tehran, June 25, IRNA -- Greater Tehran Police Commander Brigadier General Morteza Talaei said here Wednesday that the pattern of drug consumption among youth has been changing. Speaking at a seminar on drug prevention, he cited finding a solution the addiction problem among youth as a major preoccupation of officials. He said that three types of drugs most prevalent in the country include opium and its derivatives, hallucinogenics and chemicals including 'ecstasy'. He described ecstasy as the most dangerous illicit drug which causes dehydration among its users. Talei also said that families should watch their children for any sign of change in their behavior. He added that the country's educational system should incorporate the dangers of drug use in textbooks, saying the most vulnerable among the youth against drug use are those who generally lack self-esteem. Presidential Advisor and Head of Anti-Narcotics Headquarters Ali Hashemi here Saturday admitted the failure of traditional methods to combat drugs trafficking and called for professional approach in the campaign. He said that combating drugs has been one-dimensional and physically-oriented rather than preventive. "Currently there are 16,000 intravenous drug users in the nation, Hashemi said adding that drug addiction seriously threatens the country. Following the Islamic Revolution close to 2.62 million people have been arrested on drug-related offenses, 'of whom 80 percent were either addicts or petty dealers'. Hashemi, said here earlier in June that over rls 40,000 billion is spent on illicit drugs in the country annually. Also, some 850-1000 tons of narcotics are consumed in Iran annually. Iran's top drug official said that currently a 'strategic and comprehensive plan to combat illicit drugs' is being drawn up, a draft of which has been sent to the president's office. He said the strategy in the battle against illicit drugs has undergone changes, shifting from the physical approach (confiscation and apprehension) to one encouraging prevention and treatment. He further pointed to the young, incongruous rural-urban population of Iran and the existence of diverse subcultures as factors contributing to the higher drug consumption rate in the country. Echoing statements by the Tehran police chief he also warned against the increasing use of ecstasy in the country, saying addicts now tend to use mix plurality of drugs, including LSD, heroin, opium and its derivatives. - --- MAP posted-by: Josh