POLICE CHIEF WARNS ON CHANGE OF ADDICTION PATTERNS AMONG YOUTH

Tehran, June 25, IRNA -- Greater Tehran Police Commander Brigadier General
Morteza Talaei said here Wednesday that the pattern of drug consumption
among youth has been changing.

Speaking at a seminar on drug prevention, he cited finding a solution the
addiction problem among youth as a major preoccupation of officials.

He said that three types of drugs most prevalent in the country include
opium and its derivatives, hallucinogenics and chemicals including
'ecstasy'.

He described ecstasy as the most dangerous illicit drug which causes
dehydration among its users.

Talei also said that families should watch their children for any sign of
change in their behavior.

He added that the country's educational system should incorporate the
dangers of drug use in textbooks, saying the most vulnerable among the youth
against drug use are those who generally lack self-esteem.

Presidential Advisor and Head of Anti-Narcotics Headquarters Ali Hashemi
here Saturday admitted the failure of traditional methods to combat drugs
trafficking and called for professional approach in the campaign.

He said that combating drugs has been one-dimensional and
physically-oriented rather than preventive.

"Currently there are 16,000 intravenous drug users in the nation, Hashemi
said adding that drug addiction seriously threatens the country.

Following the Islamic Revolution close to 2.62 million people have been
arrested on drug-related offenses, 'of whom 80 percent were either addicts
or petty dealers'.

Hashemi, said here earlier in June that over rls 40,000 billion is spent on
illicit drugs in the country annually. Also, some 850-1000 tons of narcotics
are consumed in Iran annually.

Iran's top drug official said that currently a 'strategic and comprehensive
plan to combat illicit drugs' is being drawn up, a draft of which has been
sent to the president's office.

He said the strategy in the battle against illicit drugs has undergone
changes, shifting from the physical approach (confiscation and apprehension)
to one encouraging prevention and treatment.

He further pointed to the young, incongruous rural-urban population of Iran
and the existence of diverse subcultures as factors contributing to the
higher drug consumption rate in the country.

Echoing statements by the Tehran police chief he also warned against the
increasing use of ecstasy in the country, saying addicts now tend to use mix
plurality of drugs, including LSD, heroin, opium and its derivatives.