Reuters AlertNet Lite - Spain sees sharp rise in cocaine use

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Spain sees sharp rise in cocaine use

13 Dec 2006 18:44:28 GMT
Source: Reuters

MADRID, Dec 13 (Reuters) - The number of Spaniards regularly snorting cocaine has doubled since 1999, taking consumption to among the highest in Europe, the government said on Wednesday.

The proportion of Spaniards taking cocaine regularly has risen to 1.6 percent of the population from 0.9 percent in 1999, the Health Ministry said.

It gave no explanation for the rise but law enforcement agencies say cocaine is getting cheaper and more popular in Europe because of efforts to boost production by Colombian paramilitaries and rebels who need money for weapons.

Spain, with historic and linguistic links to South America and plenty of coves and bays for smugglers on its Atlantic coast, is a major entry point to Europe for Colombian cocaine.

Up to 70 percent of regular users suffer bouts of paranoia and their chances of a heart attack rise 24-fold, the ministry said.

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Last updated:Wed Dec 13 18:45:26 2006