AFRICA LAUNCHES ONLINE DRUG COMBAT

IN waging the war against illicit drugs Africa plans to start web-sites to
expose dealers and traffickers, says a recent report of the African Union(AU).

These would also show the tactics used to conduct the drugs trade in a
continent that already has a fair share of problems, abject poverty among them.

The web-site contents will include such vital information as cannabis
plantations for easy spotting and destruction. Surfers will get access to
the latest publications and other news material that leads to either
arresting or helping with investigations against drug pushers, money
launderers and couriers.

The AU report titled 'Mechanism for follow-up and reporting on the
implementation of the revised plan of action on drug control in Africa
(2000-2006)' says information dissemination and networking is crucial to
effect the continental plan.

With such problems as human displacement, refugees and street children,
"the drug challenge has further complicated the situation," the report
says. Revenue collected from the illicit drug trade being used to fund or
Dised crime and "'increasing sophistication of organized African criminal
syndicates with international ramifications."

It also suspects that money laundering is borne out of the illicit drugs
trade and is being used to fund terror organizations that operate in the
continent or as their hideouts.

The use of performance enhancing drugs and substances is widespread and
threatens the entire African sporting community. Winning in sports has
become a passionate obsession with disastrous consequences. This results in
a vicious cycle that has let many athletes into taking various substances
repeatedly to realise that dream, the report says.

To sensitize on the dangers posed by the illicit drugs menace AU member
states have been asked to attach the drug control component in labour
issues and education curriculum. The component should also be co-opted in
health sectorial provisions, economic planning and micro-financing
programmes to avert money "being given to the wrongful hands."

Another area that needs illicit drugs sensitization and awareness is the
agricultural sector in order to curb cultivation of narcotics. The report
suggests methods to promote crop substitution in notorious areas, for
example, cannabis farming.

To standardize penalties and punishments for offenders, legislation's on
drug control, organised crime and money laundering would be harmonised in
the continent, it notes.

It notes that in order to effect the use of different sentencing options
for different drug offences and offenders, judges, magistrates and
prosecutors would be retained effective December next year. In addition
dedicated drug courts are to be established.

To improve performance of specialised units against illicit drug
trafficking, organised crime, money laundering, corruption and human
trafficking, proper and continuing training would be carried out. It would
involve drug law enforcement officials, customs, and immigration personnel,
central bank and commercial banks staff.

To help drug users and addicts lead a normal life, detoxification centres
will be established for counseling and rehabilitation of the effected
segment of the African society.

Laws governing importation, marketing and prescription of pharmaceutical
drugs would be reformed to limit the diversion of illicit drugs to illicit
markets. To control movements through the so-called drug conduits, such as
inland waters and sea channels in-between African states, a call for
enhancing cooperation between authorities in the available entry and exit
points, ports and border posts have been echoed.

The AU plan of action on drug control will be reviewed next year to assess
its mid-term achievements.