Celebrities escape prosecution for drug use 'too easily'
Wednesday, 05 Mar 2008 16:45
The UN was critical of celebrities such as Amy Winehouse who were known drug takers
The United Nations (UN) has claimed that celebrities who take illegal drugs are getting off too lightly under the law.
A report has criticised prosecutors for treating famous drug users too lightly and thereby sending the wrong message to young people.
"The fact is that when a celebrity uses drugs, he or she breaks the law," said one of the authors of the report, Hamid Ghodse.
"Young people are quick to pick up on, and react to, perceived leniency … It also makes people become cynical about drug enforcement."
The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB)'s annual report also claimed too many governments worldwide were targeting the lower level street dealers instead of attempting to tackle the large organisations and gangs.
Philip Emafo, president of INCB also criticised celebrities for glamorising illegal drugs and contributing to drug trafficking.
"Celebrities are often involved in illicit drug trafficking or in illicit drug use and this is glamorised," he said.
"If, indeed, they have committed offences they should be dealt with."
The report also expressed alarm at the current situation in Afghanistan, a country currently producing 93 per cent of the world's opium.
The INCB called on neighbouring governments to stop the chemical acetic anhydride from being smuggled into the country, to be used in the production of heroin.