WORKSHOP IN LIBREVILLE ON DRUG CONTROL

LIBREVILLE, Gabon (PANA) - The 10th workshop of coordinators of
inter-ministerial committee for the control of drug abuse in Central
Africa opened Monday in Libreville with a warning that the rising
consumption of these substances was a real danger to the entire society.

''The increase in the production and consumption of marijuana, the
abuse of psychotropical substances and illicit traffic of drugs
constitute a threat to public health, security of human beings and
properties, economic development and political structures,'' the
Gabonese Senior Minister of the Interior, Antoine Mboumbou-Miyakou,
told delegates.

The six-day meeting is organised by the United Nations Programme for
the International Control of Drugs.

The opening session was attended by the Resident Representative of the
UN development programme, Toon Vissers.