WASHINGTON CALLING: STUDY: YOUTHS USING FEWER 'LEGAL' DRUGS, MORE ILLICIT ONES

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration is bracing for a new flood of
drugs in discos, raves and youth clubs. Drug Enforcement Administrator Asa
Hutchinson says an underground Burmese drug group is "test marketing"
methamphetamine tablets on the United States.

The appearance of methamphetamine in convenient tablet form - known on the
street as "crank" - comes as surveys find teen-agers aren't saying no
anymore. One recent survey concluded that one in five high school students
used at least one drug on a monthly basis, and more than one in three used
a drug at least once during the past school year. But fewer teen-agers are
using tobacco and alcohol.

The Public Broadcasting System is assuring Congress that an HIV- positive
Muppet that will debut on the South African version of "Sesame Street" in
September will not appear on the show in the states. Six Republican House
members, led by House Commerce Committee Chairman W.J. Tauzin of Louisiana,
had complained that an HIV-positive character isn't suitable for young
American audiences, also pointing out that Congress has oversight of PBS funds.

[REMAINDER OF COLUMN DISCUSSED VARIOUS ITEMS UNRELATED TO DRUG POLICY]