VIAGRA CORNER: DESPATCHES FROM THE FRONTIERS OF MEDICINE

Viagra is set to become the latest target of drugs tsar Keith Hellawell, it
emerged yesterday.

The Government's drugbuster is monitoring the influx of black market
supplies of the impotency pills into the UK and is poised to offer advice
to ministers on curbing its illicit use.

Although more accustomed to tackling heroin, cocaine and ecstasy, Mr
Hellawell said his remit covered all forms of drug abuse - including
improper use of Viagra, which has taken America by storm.

Police have already made the first seizure of illegal supplies of the drug
and reports are growing of a booming black market among men and even young
nightclub goers desperate to test its effects.

Mr Hellawell said that if the abuse became widespread he would offer advice
and recommendations to the Government. The drug is not yet licensed for use
in the UK but is expected to become available on prescription this autumn.

A spokeswoman for the drugs tsar said: "Mr Hellawell has this issue in
mind. At the moment there's no research been undertaken. Until we've got
some sort of concrete evidence we wouldn't be putting in additional
resources. But we monitor situations and make recommendations to the
Government on the whole area of drug abuse."

Checked-by: (Joel W. Johnson)