ZAGREB, Jan 9 (Hina) - Testing for drug abuse among secondary school and university students, soldiers and active military staff and professional drivers is part of measures of prevention proposed in the National Programme Against
Drug Abuse for 2003, adopted by the government at a session on Thursday.
ZAGREB, Jan 9 (Hina) - Testing for drug abuse among secondary school
and university students, soldiers and active military staff and
professional drivers is part of measures of prevention proposed in
the National Programme Against Drug Abuse for 2003, adopted by the
government at a session on Thursday. #L#
Government officials presented data which show that the
confiscation of drugs in 2002 was more successful than the year
before. Last year, the police seized 110,000 ecstasy tablets
(12,000 in 2001), around 40 kilograms of heroin (twice the amount
than the year before) and 550 kilograms of marijuana.
The officials stressed the need for treatment and rehabilitation of
as many users as possible, particularly heroin addicts. It is
estimated that there are 15,000 heroin addicts, while 70 percent of
them are not included in any form of treatment.
The National Programme requires more active participation of the
Interior Ministry and the Customs Service in the prevention of the
import of drugs into the country. The police are urged to reduce
drug dealing, particularly in the vicinity of schools, in disco
clubs and barracks.
The government has proposed that the status of members of the Croat
Defence Council (HVO) be regulated by an agreement with Bosnia-
Herzegovina under which the HVO would be transferred to Bosnia's
military system. Croatia would cover the difference in the salaries
of HVO members by establishing a fund for social assistance.
Deputy Prime Minister Goran Granic reported that Croatia annually
set aside some 400 million kuna (about 53.3 million euros) for about
7,000 HVO members.
(hina) sp rml sb