DRUG 'TSAR' LAUNCHES NEW CAMPAIGN

Two new guides to the dangers of drugs aimed at schoolchildren have been
launched by the head of the government's anti-drugs campaign, Keith
Hellawell.

The guides, which spell out the dangers of taking alcohol and tobacco as
well as illegal drugs like heroin and ecstasy, are aimed at children aged
between 11 and 16.

Mr Hellawell, the former Chief Constable of West Yorkshire, said the guides
had been designed to "dispel the myths" that surround drugs.

"It's essential that we have guides of this nature so that teenagers
receive information they can rely on," he said.

He agreed that it was a significant coincidence that the launch coincided
with news that police have smashed the gang thought to be responsible for
95% of heroin trafficking in Britain.

"I think it will have reduced the availability of heroin by considerable
degree," he said.

Mr Hellawell also said the operation showed the need for Britain to use its
international muscle to put pressure on other governments to tighten up
drug enforcement.

That will be something he will consider as an anti-drugs strategy is
assembled for Tony Blair.

The guides "Drugs - the Facts" for 11-14 year olds and "The Score - Facts
About Drugs" for 14-16 year olds, have been produced by the Health
Education Authority in association with drugs advice charities.

Colourfully designed, they contain photographs and case histories as well
as facts about individual substances and the legal penalties that abuse
carries.

"They are the product of extensive market research," Mr Hellawell said.

They show how drugs can damage health, education, and family relationships.

But he denied that 11 was too young to start explaining the issue to
children. "That idea just isn't true." he said.

"Kids are under pressure from a very young age to take drugs, and we need
to give them information in a fashion they can recognise and can be
comfortable with."

The leaflets will be place in teenage magazines and the campaign will also
be carried on radio by various commercial radio stations.

This approach was developed because, according to the Health Education
Authority, research shows that teen magazines and radio are "intimate and
trusted" media for this age group. It says young people want information
about drugs but they will not admit they want it.

Teenagers at Haverstock School in north London were largely pleased with
the leaflets.

Lul Amed, Muna Nir and Sumena Begum, all aged 13, said the guides were
effective and agreed that young children should read them.

"It will help them understand the risks," Lul said.

But they all claimed never to have seen any drug taking or dealing going on
in their school.