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was at present quiescent; illicit demand appeared to be levelling off; there were proportionately fewer addicts in the younger age groups the "bulge" of the 1960's appeared to be moving up through the age brackets.
13. The strategy to be used to tackle abuse of hypnotics and barbiturates was to diminish supply, through persuading the medical profession to prescribe less of the relevant substances, to a point where it might be realistic to introduce statutory controls.
14. There appeared to be a "famino" in the cannabis market, possibly as the result of a number of spectacular seizures; there was some indication of an increase in the abuse of cocaine; LSD's popularity appeared to be on the vane; and a sudden small outbreak of abuse of STP and Bromo-STP was being brought under control.
Regional developments
15. Within the context of discussions on various regions, it was agreed that there was difficulty in specifying the role to be played by the Colombo Plan Drug Control Adviser in the ragion in which he operated. The Director had arranged, through discussion with Interpol H.Q., and following an Interpol decision to place a representative in the area, for a clear delineation of function between the Interpol representative and the U.N. Regional Liaison Officer suggested by the recent meeting of Heads of Law Enforcement Agencies in Bangkok. It was not so far possible to see where, without some danger of duplica- tion, the Colombo Plan effort fitted into this picture.
Law enforcement effort: Training
16. In discussions with the Overseas Police Adviser in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, it was noted that there would be little difficulty in placing an element of law enforcement against drug abuse into training courses for overseas Police Officers in the U.K., provided the countries of origin asked for it.
17. The U.K. did not offer specialised courses concentrating exclusively on this subject. It did not expect to do so in view of opportunities already offered by the US/DEA and by the CTU of the Division.
18. The Director expressed gratitude for the considerable advice and assistance already received.
Law Enforcement: Country Programmes
19. On specific country programmes, the Afghan Government has asked for assis- tance from H.M.G., for police activities; before their change of Government in July 1973. This matter had not been followed up by the successor Government. There seemed no reason why it should not be further pursued and there might be advantage in doing so, provided that it was clear that H.M.G. would not under- take any activity which would conflict with present bilateral or multilateral assistance but was only interested in complementary effort.
20. The same considerations generally applied to Pakistan, to some important
H.M.G.'s effort was countries in the Middle East, to Nepal and to Thailand. normally directed towards providing training facilities and there would be little
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