GROWING POLICE CONCERN OVER DRUGS CRISIS

One in a hundred Cypriots has experimented with drugs at least once, police revealed yesterday at a news briefing to mark world anti-drugs day today.

Growing police concern about the escalating drugs problem, which has claimed several lives already this year, was the main topic discussed yesterday.  The authorities say they are doing all they can but stressed that the burden to reduce drug use and addiction must be shared by all.

Police commandant Sotiris Tryfonos said the force was working to its fullest ability to clamp down on drug pushing by educating the public and informing them on the dangers of drugs.

"We will also work closely with other police sectors and organisations to monitor drug use and catch the big fish, the dealers who exploit people into buying and using addictive drugs," said Tryfonos.

He added that the police would be increasing security measures and control at the checkpoints to the north.  "We will not hesitate to arrest and punish people in possession of drugs."

Statistics from a recent survey revealed that 3.1 per cent of teenagers under the age of 18 had used cannabis at least once.  One per cent of the population has also used the party drug ecstasy, half of a per cent have tried cocaine and 0.2 per cent heroin.

Even though only 0.05 per cent of the population are addicted to drugs, the police are concerned that this number is growing, especially after the recent deaths by heroin overdose or a doctored dose of the drug.

Regarding the spate of drug-related deaths that has shocked Cyprus, Tryfonos said they were a social and political concern, particularly when the victims are young.

Statistics show that the number of deaths from drugs overdose or impure heroin has increased dramatically in one year.  Only one person was thought to have died from drugs in 2003; however, from the beginning of 2004 until today six people have lost their lives to drugs.

"These deaths reflect the current situation and are an indicator of what could be expected in the near future.  Police fear the problem will get worse," said Tryfonos.

Police also highlighted their drugs line - 1498 -a help line for users or anyone with a friend or family member who is a user.  Police also welcome callers who may have information that could help with their investigations.

"In 2003 we had a total of 193 phone calls, of which 103 were to give information and 90 were calls for help.  So far this year we have received 93 phone calls, 67 from people who had information and 26 from those in need of help," said Tryfonos.

Police understand that it may be difficult for some parents to know if their children are taking drugs and therefore yesterday outlined some of the tell-tale signs.

Most people who begin taking drugs could change their group of friends and may present signs of apathy by not taking care of their appearance.  Parents may notice that their child is skipping school and obtaining lower grades.  They may also demand more money or begin to steal.

The police said cannabis was the most popular drug on the island, as in other European countries.  Statistics show that heroin users are becoming younger.  The average age of people trying drugs for the first time is also becoming lower.  There is also in an increase in the number of people using so-called recreational drugs such as ecstasy.