Pubdate: Wed, 14 Jun 2000
Source: National, The (New Guinea)
Copyright: 2000, The National
Contact:  PO Box 6817, Boroko, NCD, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Website: http://www.wr.com.au/national/index.html
Author: Clera Sam

YOUTHS TOLD TO TURN TO MUSIC, NOT DRUGS

"TURN on music, turn off drugs" is the theme for the "International
Day Against Drug Trafficking" on June 26.

National Narcotics Bureau deputy director general John Patrick said
activities on this theme will be held at the Sir John Guise Stadium
that day.

He said this event is open to the general public.

Mr Patrick said reports have indicated that the rate of drug abuse in
the country, which may be an indication of abuse among children
especially those in primary school, is on the rise.

There will also be a campaign to encourage youths to turn to music
instead of drugs, he said.

Mr Patrick said: "The problem of drug trafficking in PNG is rising ...
I hope this campaign will discourage such activities in the society."

There have been reports of PNG becoming a transit zone for drug
traffickers in Asia and the Pacific because of its location.

Marijuana is said to be becoming the most widely used drug in PNG,
with over 3,000 cases reported since 1994.
- ---
MAP posted-by: greg