NATIONS MUST COOPERATE TO STEM DRUGS - AZUMA

Drug abuse is not a problem that can be solved by just one nation,
Shozo Azuma, parliamentary vice minister for foreign affairs, said at
the opening ceremony of "Anti-Drug Conference, Tokyo 2000" on Monday.

Law enforcement and financial officials as well as researchers from
about 20 Asia-Pacific nations gathered in Tokyo to discuss measures to
stem the flow of illicit drugs in the region.

Azuma emphasized the importance of cooperation among the international
community to tackle the problem.

He also said: "In Japan, abuse of stimulants is spreading, especially
among the young generation, and the amount of such drugs confiscated
by authorities is higher than ever."

Pino Arlacchi, executive director of the United Nations International
Drug Control Program, also stressed in his opening address the rise in
abuse throughout the world of amphetamine-type stimulants, especially
among young people, including synthetic drugs such as speed and Ecstasy.

He said young people are not taking amphetamine-type stimulants to
rebel against society but "they are adapting to it" as part of their
social behavior, suggesting the need for new approaches different from
those used to cope with other types of drug abuse.

The conference, which runs until Thursday, consists of four
specialized seminars organized by the UNDCP, the National Police
Agency, the Maritime Safety Agency and the World Customs Organization,
as well as the Finance Ministry.

The four seminars are to cover topics from drug production to money
laundering.