HEROIN USE SOARS IN CITY, WARNS UN

An alarming increase in the use of heroin in Cape Town is flagged in a UN
report on world drug trends.

Noting that there has been an increase in use of injected drugs, the report
describes the trend as "worrisome" in the context of sub-Saharan Africa's
high rate of HIV/Aids.

A rise in the use of heroin and other injected drugs is also cited in
Pretoria and Johannesburg by the agency, the International Narcotics
Control Board, in its report for last year.

The report said heroin smuggled into Africa from Asia found its way into
South Africa, where abuse of the drug was increasing, particular among
youngsters. The use of contaminated needles and syringes put users at
greater risk of hepatitis and sexually transmitted diseases.

But the board also hailed a South African police and customs joint
initiative to profile the contents of shipping containers

It also praised South African authorities for introducing legislation to
combat money laundering and establishing a Financial Intelligence Centre in
the bid to fight drug trafficking.

Meanwhile, the shift from growing food crops to cultivating cannabis was
worsening Africa's food shortages, the report said.

South Africa was the leading producer of dagga, followed by Malawi,
Lesotho, Swaziland and Mozambique.

Drug profits were also fuelling conflicts in the continent.

In Ivory Coast, Liberia and the Central African Republic, rebels and
militia used weapons bought partly with drug money.