ANTI-DRUG MARCH STAGED IN PLETT

THE SA Medical Association (Sama) has expressed support for the
International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking,
which saw a number of anti-drug marchers take to the streets in
Plettenberg Bay yesterday.

Residents of Knysna and Plettenberg Bay gathered in KwaNokuthula
yesterday morning and marched to a school in the main street to
emphasise the importance of eradicating drug abuse and trafficking worldwide.

Sama said yesterday that a youth risk survey in 2002 had revealed
that one in five pupils attempted suicide because of mental health
problems caused, among other things, by substance abuse.

More than 10 per cent smoked cigarettes and 6,2% first tried smoking
before the age of 10.

"The prevalence of cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, kat, LSD and
over-the-counter medications is a major concern," Sama said.

"The drug cartels have found our developing country a fertile ground
to push illicit substances."

Another problem in South Africa was the misuse of pharmaceutical
preparations containing narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances,
which are sold by street vendors and healthcare providers without a
prescription.

"The government should address the problem, which has severe adverse
consequences on the health of our population and social structures,"
Sama added.

The association said serious action was being taken by the government
to avoid the detrimental effects on health of these substances,
citing the soon-to-be-passed Tobacco Products Control Amendment Bill.

It also praised a UN convention on narcotic drugs first drafted in
1961 which extended the existing control systems to include the
cultivation of plants grown as the raw material of narcotic drugs.