GROWING POLICE CONCERN OVER DRUGS CRISIS

One in a hundred Cypriots has experimented with drugs at least once,
police revealed yesterday at a news briefing to mark world anti-drugs
day today.

Growing police concern about the escalating drugs problem, which has
claimed several lives already this year, was the main topic discussed
yesterday. The authorities say they are doing all they can but
stressed that the burden to reduce drug use and addiction must be
shared by all.

Police commandant Sotiris Tryfonos said the force was working to its
fullest ability to clamp down on drug pushing by educating the public
and informing them on the dangers of drugs.

"We will also work closely with other police sectors and organisations
to monitor drug use and catch the big fish, the dealers who exploit
people into buying and using addictive drugs," said Tryfonos.

He added that the police would be increasing security measures and
control at the checkpoints to the north. "We will not hesitate to
arrest and punish people in possession of drugs."

Statistics from a recent survey revealed that 3.1 per cent of
teenagers under the age of 18 had used cannabis at least once. One per
cent of the population has also used the party drug ecstasy, half of a
per cent have tried cocaine and 0.2 per cent heroin.

Even though only 0.05 per cent of the population are addicted to
drugs, the police are concerned that this number is growing,
especially after the recent deaths by heroin overdose or a doctored
dose of the drug.

Regarding the spate of drug-related deaths that has shocked Cyprus,
Tryfonos said they were a social and political concern, particularly
when the victims are young.

Statistics show that the number of deaths from drugs overdose or
impure heroin has increased dramatically in one year. Only one person
was thought to have died from drugs in 2003; however, from the
beginning of 2004 until today six people have lost their lives to drugs.

"These deaths reflect the current situation and are an indicator of
what could be expected in the near future. Police fear the problem
will get worse," said Tryfonos.

Police also highlighted their drugs line - 1498 -a help line for users
or anyone with a friend or family member who is a user. Police also
welcome callers who may have information that could help with their
investigations.

"In 2003 we had a total of 193 phone calls, of which 103 were to give
information and 90 were calls for help. So far this year we have
received 93 phone calls, 67 from people who had information and 26
from those in need of help," said Tryfonos.

Police understand that it may be difficult for some parents to know if
their children are taking drugs and therefore yesterday outlined some
of the tell-tale signs.

Most people who begin taking drugs could change their group of friends
and may present signs of apathy by not taking care of their
appearance. Parents may notice that their child is skipping school and
obtaining lower grades. They may also demand more money or begin to
steal.

The police said cannabis was the most popular drug on the island, as
in other European countries. Statistics show that heroin users are
becoming younger. The average age of people trying drugs for the first
time is also becoming lower. There is also in an increase in the
number of people using so-called recreational drugs such as ecstasy.