CAMPAIGN WARNS OF CRACK THREAT

A campaign warning of the dangers of crack cocaine is to be launched in
Scotland amid concern about increasing use of the drug.

A specially commissioned report, which is due to be published later this
week, is expected to show that the number of people being treated for
addiction to crack cocaine has been steadily rising.

The Scottish Executive said it wants to take measures to stem the rise to
addiction levels reported in England and Wales.

Crack cocaine, which comes in deals known as rocks, is smoked and is highly
addictive. The Home Office said it is a growing threat and is responsible
for rising crime levels.

A spokeswoman for the executive said: "The report will be out on Thursday
and we expect it will contain a number of recommendations which we will
take forward.

"While the problem is relatively small, ministers are keen to look at ways
of preventing it getting any larger.

"We want to take steps now before it gets out of control because it can
quickly turn into an epidemic."

The report was commissioned by the executive's Scottish Advisory Committee
on Drug Misuse, which is chaired by Deputy Justice Minister Dr Richard Simpson.

'Considerable threat'

It requested a study of addiction levels to the Class A drug in Scotland
following concerns expressed about the situation in England and Wales.

The report is expected to show that, since 1997, the number of people
getting treatment for crack use has gone up from 75 to 273.

Police seizures have also risen from 0.25kg in 1997 to 25kg.

Alistair Ramsay of Scotland Against Drugs, said: "The threat posed by crack
cocaine in Scotland is considerable from the experiences gained in England
and in America.

"It is so important to take sound, properly thought through action before
it becomes a major problem."