HELPLINE AS KIDS COCAINE SHOCK REVEALED

The first freephone confidential drugs helpline in Northern Ireland was
launched today.

And the new initiative is being supported by a billboard advertising
campaign throughout mid-Ulster.

The Dungannon-based drugs information and support project Breakthru
unveiled the Know Drugs campaign in Dungannon, Cookstown and Armagh.

The new information awareness drive comes as the organisation released the
findings of a new survey which revealed that teenagers in Northern Ireland
are using cocaine in growing numbers.

The Breakthru Survey 2000 was carried out in the 14 post-primary schools in
the Dungannon and Cookstown areas.

Over 500 young people, aged between 14 and 18, were interviewed.

Over half of respondents said they knew where to get at least one illegal
drug and 40% have been offered a drug.

Twenty-two per cent of the young people had used drugs with cannabis being
the most popular drug.

And two thirds of those who took part in the research know someone who uses
drugs.

Of those who had used a drug, over 5% had used cocaine.

Friends were the largest supplier of drugs for young people, with more than
half getting it from this source.

Almost half of those who had used a drug did so in the past month.

The freephone helpline number is 0808 800 2020 and the line will be open
from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. There is an answerphone facility at all
other times.

Meanwhile, SDLP MP Eddie McGrady has asked for a meeting with the RUC chief
constable to discuss ways to tackle the drugs problem in Northern Ireland.

"Due to spiralling violence directly associated with the drugs trade, there
is an urgent need to examine this new cancer in our society," he said.