DRUGS PROBLEM SPIRALS OUT OF CONTROL

THE government has admitted urgent measures must be taken to stem the
tide of cheap heroin coming into the island, despite police claims
that the spiraling drugs problem is `under control'.

With ten heroin-related deaths already this year, and a fivefold
increase the number of drug seizures at the checkpoints, many Cypriots
blame the state and society for refusing to face up to a growing
problem, while others claim opening the borders to the occupied areas
has increased the supply.

Yesterday, Police Chief Tassos Panayiotou, DISY deputy Ionas Nicolaou
and Health Minister Dina Akkelidou spoke openly about the growing
problem on the CyBC radio station.

During the show, one man called in to complain that since the opening
of the borders the drugs trade has increased at an alarming rate.
"Turkey is one of the main drugs trade countries and 20,000 people
cross over from the North on a daily basis. Who knows what they bring
with them," said the disgruntled caller.

He added that the police were not doing enough to monitor the
checkpoint, but understands that they do not have the resources to
check everybody. "The problem is the opening of the border and free
movement," he said.

In response to this Panayiotou said that the police are doing all they
can to stop the heroin trade. He also admitted that since the opening
of the border they suspect more heroin is being brought into the republic.

"This year alone we have had 17 cases recorded of people crossing over
with heroin. In previous years we had up to 3 maximum. We are doing
all we can and the problem is under control," said Panayiotou and
added that not all drugs came only from the north. Deputy Ionas
Nicolaou agreed that the north could be the main supplier of heroin in
Cyprus and said there must be frequent checks conducted at the
crossings. The show concluded with Health Minister Dina Akkelidou who
recited tired about how the government will proceed to reduce the
drugs problem that has escalated to worrying heights.

"It is the government's objective to educate, to prevent and to treat
the problem of drugs. We want to work with private and public sectors
to help reduce the situation on narcotics," said Akkelidou.

She added that they would also deal with European experts who have
experience in fighting the ongoing and upward battle against drugs.
"We will deal with the problem," said Akkelidou.

The Anti Narcotics Council on Friday said that since February 2004 51
users have been admitted to the Anosi rehabilitation clinic in
Limassol and that during the treatment all the contemporary methods,
including medical and psychological help were given. However only 50
per cent of the users completed the programme.

The Association of Relatives and Friends of Drug Users has announced
that they will be holding a meeting on June 16 to elect the first
Association's Council that will consist of representatives from each
town.

All relatives and friends of drug users are invited to attend. At
least one relative from each family of a drug user is asked to be
present to enroll as a member giving a UKP 5 yearly fee.