UN slams Britain's celebrity cocaine culture

London, Mar 5 : United Nations' International Narcotics Control Board has slammed the celebrity drug culture, insisting that it is encouraging more young people to take cocaine.

The report released by drug control agency revealed that leniency adopted towards celebrity cocaine abusers is persuading more and more youngsters to take drugs.

According to the data released by Home Office, cocaine use has increased more than two fold among 16 to 24-year-olds; moreover a drop in price has elevated the problem.

The UN said the problem worsens when stars are let off without penalty or are less harshly treated than other users.

"Depending on how the authorities respond in the case, the media reports and associated internet chatter often reflect or generate perceptions that the system has treated the celebrity... more leniently than others," said the report.

"The authorities... should ensure that public celebrities who violate drug laws are made accountable," the report added.

Prof Hamid Ghodse, member of the board, blamed the police and judiciary for the aggravated situation.

"They (celebrities) get more lenient responses by the judiciary and law enforcement, and that is regrettable," the Telegraph quoted Ghodse, as saying.

"There should not be any difference between a celebrity who is breaking the law and non-celebrities.

"Not only does it give the wrong messages to young people, who are often quite impressionable, but the wider public become cynical about the responses to drug offenders," he added.

ANI