POUNDS 6M BOOST FOR DRUGS BATTLE

First and Deputy First Ministers David Trimble and Seamus Mallon today
announced the transfer of pounds 6m to the Executive from the Northern
Ireland Office, to tackle illegal drugs abuse and drug related crime.

The figure represents two-thirds of the money allocated by the
Chancellor of the Exchequer to Northern Ireland in March 2001.

Mr Trimble said: "Tackling drugs misuse and the damage it causes to
individuals and communities is an important priority for the Executive.

"In our Programme for Government we outlined our continuing support
for the drugs strategy.

"This is aimed at reducing drug misuse and drug related harm among
young people; involving local communities in addressing drug misuse;
giving treatment for drug users; and reducing the availability of drugs."

Mr Mallon said: "The Executive is committed to working together to
protect our society from the menace of illicit drugs and the
destruction they cause to individuals, families and entire
communities.

"The Executive will use this money to co-operate closely with other
agencies to ensure the optimum allocation of resources across all drug
related programmes."