E/CN.7/594 page 4
11. NICERIA 6 Abuse of cannabis (smoking) and amphetamines (orally), mostly among young people, and pethidine (by injection) by adults has been observed. Mandrax, Librium and Valium have also been abused. Abuse of cannabis and amphetamines is associated with psychotic reactions and abuse of pethidine with unreliable behaviour. Important seizures of amphetamines (2 000 tablets) and cannabis (over 7 000 kg) were made in 1974. More than 1 000 persons were arrested in connexion with drug offences in 1974.
12. SENEGAL 7/ The abuse of drugs is spreading in Senegal, particularly among young people in the cities. There is abuse of cannabis, amphetamines, barbiturates (mostly Mandrax), volatile solvents and datura (a substance with hallucinogenic effects found in a solanaceous plant which grows wild in Senegal). A certain number of drug abusers have been treated in hospital centres in 1975. Drugs are often taken in combination with alcohol. Drug abuse, once considered to be confined to the lowest strata of society, has now spread to most sectors of the population in the large cities. Rapid social change and the lack of social infrastructure may have constituted favourable breeding ground for drug abuse. main problems are related to family and health. Alcoholism is also a cause of concern for the authorities. Alcohol is gaining more and more ground among the different sections of the population.
The
13. SEYCHELLES There is cannabis abuse, mostly by teenagers who were born in East Africa and who have now settled in the Seychelles. Cannabis smoking is often associated with the taking of alcohol by young people.
Cannabis
14. SIERRA LEONE 8, Drug abuse appears to have increased in recent years. is the main drug of abuse, followed by Mandrax and LSD. Amphetamines (speed), heroin and cocaine are also being abused. It seems that some psychotropic substances are being smuggled into the country and sold in the market. Most drug abusers also consume alcohol. Apparently, as alcohol is too expensive, most drug abusers resort to drugs in order to get "drunk". The drug-taking habit develops principally in secondary schools.
15. SOUTH AFRICA
There is abuse of cannabis and methaqualone. The cannabis plant is prevalent in most parts of the country and has been smoked by the indigenous population for generations. At present cannabis is often taken in combination with alcohol by teenagers and young adults. The methaqualone problem is new: quantities of the substance have been diverted from licit sources and this drug is often taken in combination with alcohol. It has been put under stricter control. The amount of drugs seized as well as the number of persons involved in drug offences have increased in recent years. This upward trend is confirmed by the increasing number of persons being treated for the abuse of cannabis in association with alochol or other drugs (6 008 in 1975, 299 in 1974).
6/ Annual report, for 1974.
7/ UNESCO Regional Meeting on Education concerning problems connected with the use of drugs in six African countries (September 1976).
8/ Ibid.