UKP6M PLAN AIMING TO SCORE A VICTORY IN WAR ON DRUGS

REGULAR updates on illegal drugs circulating in communities will be part of
a new UKP6 million anti-drugs strategy unveiled today.

The Know The Score campaign, launched by the Scottish Executive, marks the
end of the Just Say No message on drugs - with ministers admitting that a
"finger-wagging" approach does not deter young people from trying drugs.

Instead, education and community information will form the core of the new
strategy.

The largest anti-drugs advertising campaign in Scottish history, aimed at
telling young people the risks involved with taking drugs, will form
another key part of the campaign.

The strategy was launched today by Deputy First Minister and Justice
Minister Jim Wallace, and Deputy Justice Minister Richard Simpson.

The strategy will feature:

Regular updates and high-quality information about drugs in circulation
across Scotland.

Targeting of young people and other "at risk" groups with credible messages
informing them of the risks involved in drug-taking.

Drugs users and their families receiving specific advice on reducing the
harm of drug misuse and how to access local treatment and rehabilitation
services.

A major public awareness drive, including a Know the Score advertising
campaign to be launched next week, together with a telephone information
line and a website.

Mr Wallace said: "People see drugs as one of the most serious problems
facing Scotland and that is why tackling drugs is one of the most pressing
concerns for the Executive and the Parliament.

"We have put in place a balanced strategy of enforcement and action to
reduce the demand for drugs. Know The Score will back our commitment to
delivering on this strategy.

"The Know The Score national advertising, website and information line will
provide general and targeted information and advice on drugs. Links to
Crimestoppers will make it easier to report drug dealing.

"Young people will be targeted with messages which are shown to persuade
them to stay away from drugs - not ineffective finger-wagging. We will also
reach out to offer help to drug users who are not in touch with drugs services.

"I believe that knowledge gives us power against drugs. The power to report
dealers, the power to make informed choices about drugs, the power to find
help - the power to make a real difference in our communities."

The launch comes after Scottish Drugs Minister Dr Simpson admitted that the
Just Say No approach was no longer working to stop young people taking drugs.

Dr Simpson, a former prison doctor, said: "Our research has clearly shown
that the public sees drugs as a very serious problem and wants to know
more. But too often in the past the information the public has received
about drugs has not met their needs.

"The emphasis has been on the big national campaigns, while the locally
available information and advice has been patchy and poor in quality in
many cases.

"National and local information has often been contradictory. Know the
Score is fundamentally different. Backed by effective national messages and
resources, over time it will deliver practical benefits on the ground in
every community.

"The public will know more about the drugs circulating in their communities
and how to report drugs crime.

"Young people will know more about the dangers of drugs and their parents
will know that this information is being offered in a way which is most
likely to prevent them using drugs.

"Drugs users and their families will know more about the ever-increasing
number of local drugs services which can help them."

The Executive has set aside UKP6.3m for the development and implementation
of Know The Score, as part of a UKP128m three-year anti-drugs package which
includes measures such as tougher enforcement, drug courts, better drugs
education and enhanced treatment and rehabilitation services.