Pubdate: Sun, 09 Mar 2008
Source: Observer, The (UK)
Copyright: 2008 The Observer
Contact:  http://www.observer.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/315
Author: David Smith
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine)

'COKE FASHIONISTAS' ARE RUINING AFRICA - UN BOSS

The UN'S top drugs and crime fighter today launches a controversial 
attack on 'coke-snorting fashionistas', such as Amy Winehouse, for 
glamorising drug use and helping to fuel a cocaine trade that could 
be as devastating to Africa as slavery.

Antonio Maria Costa, executive director of the United Nations Office 
on Drugs and Crime, writes in today's Observer that, while 
celebrities such as Bob Geldof and Bono have campaigned against 
suffering in Africa, 'their work is being undermined by the drug 
habits of their careless peers'. When cocaine used in Europe arrives 
via impoverished countries in West Africa, he adds, it leaves a trail 
of misery, corruption and violence. 'As a result, there is a danger 
of history repeating itself,' says Costa. He adds: 'In the 19th 
century, Europe's hunger for slaves devastated West Africa. Two 
hundred years later, its growing appetite for cocaine could do the 
same. The former Gold Coast is becoming the "coke coast".'

He describes the burgeoning trade as a 'disaster' for West Africa 
that 'perverts' its economies, citing Guinea-Bissau, where the value 
of the drugs trade may be as high as the country's entire national 
income. 'It spreads corruption and undermines security. It is also 
spreading addiction and related health and social problems.'

The most controversial tenet of Costa's argument is likely to be his 
association of the crisis with celebrities and his singling out of 
Winehouse. He writes: 'Coke-snorting fashionistas are not only 
damaging their brains - they are contributing to state failure on the 
other side of the world. Amy Winehouse might adopt a defiant pose and 
slur her way through [the song] "Rehab", but does she realise the 
message she sends to others who are vulnerable to addiction and who 
cannot afford expensive treatment?' He demands: 'Why is this 
behaviour socially acceptable? If Ms Winehouse advertised fur coats 
or blood diamonds, there would be a backlash, yet when she is the 
poster girl for drug abuse, nobody seems to care.'

Winehouse's spokesman, Chris Goodman said:. 'What a ludicrous man and 
what a ludicrous statement,' he said. 'Amy has never given a quote 
about drugs or flaunted it in any way. She's had some problems and is 
trying to get better. The UN should get its own house in order.'

Steve Rolles, spokesman for Transform, the drug policy foundation, 
said that Costa had picked the wrong target. 'With Amy Winehouse her 
drug use is the least cool thing about her,' he said. 'She's actually 
a walking advert against drug use. When she cleaned herself up for 
the Grammys she was amazing.'
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