TNAG-0690-FCO40-839-Review-of-narcotics-problem-in-Hong-Kong-1977 — Page 92

E/CN.7/594 page 17

also widespread in a number of countries. Other indices, such as the number of drug offences and seizures also indicate an increase of opiate-related problems. Heroin and morphine addiction is closely associated with criminal behaviour, thieving and robbing.

82.

Cannabis is the most commonly abused drug (mainly by smoking) among youth, particularly in the student population. It appears that teenage school truants are most often involved in cannabis abuse. However, in Lidia cannabis is also abused by industrial and plantation workers in the lower income population groups. The problem of cannabis abuse is mainly associated with disorderly behaviour in young people. Cannabis is the drug most commonly taken in combination.

83. The abuse of psychotropic substances has obviously been increasing in most countries of the region, particularly among affluent groups of people, and youth in urban centres. Japan has been confronted with a new wave of amphetamine abuse; over 9 500 persons were prosecuted for amphetamine offences which indicates a rapid rise as compared with the previous year. The problem of amphetamine abuse has been pointed out by governments of a number of other countries in the region. Barbiturates and other barbiturate-type drugs (sedative hypnotics, tranquillizers) particularly methaqualone or Mandrax have been increasingly abused by young people. In a few countries barbiturates are abused more by middle-aged people. The abuse of LSD and other hallucinogens is also on the rise among young people. Therefore, it appears that the magnitude of the problem involving hallucinogens, barbiturate- type drugs and amphetamines increased as compared with the information provided in previous reports.

84.

There has been a strong tendency towards multiple drug abuse, mainly involving psychotropic drugs (tranquillizers, methaqualone, amphetamines, antihistamines), cannabis, opiates (mostly heroin) and alcohol.

EUROPE

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

85.

AUSTRIA An increase has been noted in the number of persons registered for the abuse of opiates; cannabis, cocaine and hallucinogens. This upward trend is also confirmed by the number of persons arrested for drug offences (1 506 in 1974, 2 387 in 1975). Hore than 18 kilogrammes of heroin and over 6 200 tablets of morphine were seized. The number of persons receiving treatment, mainly for opiate addiction, has stabilized. Opium is often taken in combination with morphine or cannabis. The most common way of administering opiates is by injection.

Cannabis is smoked (1 177 persons were arrested for cannabis offences). Over 24 kilogrammes of liquid cannabis were seized in 1975. Cocaine, hallucinogens and amphetamines are taken orally. Amphetamines and barbiturates are often taken in combination with alcohol and LSD with cannabis. Abuse of cannabis and LSD are more commonly encountered among persons of the 15-25 age group. A substantial amount of LSD doses were seized and 341 persons were arrested for LSD and other hallucinogen offences.