TNAG-0690-FCO40-839-Review-of-narcotics-problem-in-Hong-Kong-1977 — Page 81

E/CN.7/594 page 6

THE AMERICAS

A.

24.

Extent, patterns and trends of drug abuse by countries and territories

ARGENTINA 9 Abuse of drugs is on the increase. The drugs most widely abused are, coca leaves, cannabis and its resin, cocaine, amphetamine-type drugs, barbiturates, LSD, methaqualone, pentazocine, isoamiline and morphine. Multiple drug abuse is also widespread. Cannabic is abused mainly by young people. Abuse

one

of amphetamines has been observed in all social classes, mainly in urban centres and in particular by young people between 14 and 25 years of age. A considerable increase has been noted in the illicit traffic of pervitin (methamphetamine): million ampoules were seized in 1975. Cocaine hydrochloride is abused by adults whose economic resources are often obtained from illegal activities. Coca chewing is prevalent on the high plateau in north-western Argentina. The 250 000 coca chewers (15 years and more) belong to the lower socio-economic categories and their habit is directly related to their work. Their habit disappears when they change their social "milieu". Increase in the illicit traffic of coca leaves has been observed. The non-medical use of amphetamines (among housewifes and students) and barbiturates is common. Multiple drug abusers are most commonly encountered in the 14-25 age group and often take barbiturates in combination with other drugs (amphetamines, alcohol etc.). Possession of drugs is considered an offence. However if the offender is dependent on drugs (physically or psychologically) the judge may send him to undergo treatment and rehabilitation. Coca chewing has various socio-economic consequences. Social and family problems, overdoses and deviant behaviour are associated with multiple drug abuse. Over 1 300 persons of whom 820 were treated for the first time during 1975 for abuse of cannabis, amphetamines, me thaqualone, pentazocine and barbiturates.

25. BAHAMAS Abuse of cannabis (smoked), cocaine (sniffed), methaqualone (taken orally), amphetamines (orally) and alochol is reported. There seems to be an increase in the abuse of drugs, which is indicated by (i) an increase in the number of persons treated for drug abuse (42 in 1974, 60 in 1975); (ii) a steady growth in the amount of drugs seized and (iii) more prosecutions related with offences (562 prosecutions in 1974; more than 620 in 1975) involving cannabis, cocaine and psychotropic substances. Cannabis is mainly abused by youngsters under 25 who often combine it with alcohol. Another common combination is the use of methaqualone with alcohol. Volatile solvents are sniffed by children under 17. Abuse of drugs is mainly associated with psychotic reactions, behavioural problems, under-achievement in schools and indirectly crimes.

26. BARBADOS There was some abuse of cannabis in 1975 although it has not yet become a major problem. In 1973 the national authorities showed some concern about the increasing use of cannabis (a few kilogrammes of cannabis were seized as well as 528 grammes of cocaine). In 1974 the amount of cannabis seized decreased, but in 1975 over 40 kilogrammes of cannabis were seized.

2 Statement by representative at fourth special session.