Government plans new drugs strategy

THE National Committee Against Drugs has met with President Tassos Papadopoulos to discuss new strategic measures that must be taken to fight the battle against drug use in Cyprus.

Health Minister Dina Akkelidou, Interior Minister Andreas Christou, Justice Minister Doros Theodorou, Labour Minister Makis Keravnos and Education Minister Pefkios Georgiades also attended the meeting on Monday.

In statements after the meeting, Akkelidou said the government planned to change the composition of the Drugs Council so that its members would consist of scientific experts on drugs and experts with experience in dealing with drug addicts.

The meeting included discussions on the operation of council and on the government’s plan to set up more rehabilitation clinics. The government also intends to hold seminars to inform people on the dangers of drugs and to create a national drugs centre.

Akkelidou added that a second plan of action would be undertaken later this month to bring Cyprus into line with European standards.

“An advisor on such matters has come to Cyprus from Europe to examine our strategy to fight drug use. Once our plan has been revised, we will be in consultation with other European countries in their fight against drugs,” said Akkelidou.

“The Anti Drugs Council must be more effective and by appointing qualified and experienced members, we hope to achieve our goal and win the fight against drugs. We also aim for the council to work with the government when making decisions,” the Health Minister added.

The government wants to increase the number of teams of scientists on the council from three to five.

The Limassol and Nicosia General Hospitals have begun detoxification programmes to help drug addicts, but the only rehabilitation clinics are Kenthea in Larnaca and the Ayia Skepi centre in the Machairas Mountains.

Attempts to open another rehabilitation clinic in the Kornos area in April 2002 foundered on opposition from local residents, fearing it would attract drug pushers to the area.

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