UN Watchdog Highlights Dangers Of Celebrity Drug Use

A United Nations watchdog says that dealing leniently with celebrity drug users sends out the wrong message to impressionable young people.

The president of the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) Philip Emafo says that celebrities taking drugs in the public spotlight glamorises abusing narcotics.

He said: "Celebrities are often involved in illicit drug trafficking or in illicit drug use and this is glamorised. If, indeed, they have committed offences they should be dealt with."

Pete Doherty for one has been caught in possession of Class A drugs numerous occasions yet has not faced a custodial sentence for his crimes.

More recently, Amy Winehouse was caught on camera allegedly smoking crack in her London home and was also caught in possession of marijuana in Norway.

The warning about celebrity drug taking was published in the INCB’s annual report and elsewhere called for tougher action on top drug dealers and raised fears about Afghanistan which produces 93% of the world’s opium.