Cocaine warning as Colombia tells of drug-ravaged state

THE Government today underlined the importance of tackling Scotland's drugs problem as a warning was given by the world's top cocaine-producing nation.

Colombia's UK Ambassador Mauricio Rodriguez Munera told schoolchildren in Edinburgh of the social and environmental damage that cocaine has ravaged on his country.

Mr Rodriguez said Colombia had suffered deforestation, pollution, corruption and violence because of the drug.

He unveiled his Government's flagship "Shared Responsibility" project during a visit to Portobello High School.

It spells out the consequences of cocaine production – in 20 years 2.2 million hectares of rainforest have been destroyed to grow coca plants, causing hundreds of families to be displaced.

Mr Rodriguez said: "To win the battle against drugs, we must significantly reduce both production and consumption. This is important for Scotland – to end the terrible public health threat.

"It is important for Colombia – to protect our rainforests and diversity and to improve employment and alternative opportunities for our people, particularly through the access to free markets within the European Union."

Mr Rodriguez was accompanied by Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill, who said: "Cocaine destroys families and communities, it funds criminal activity and it destroys our environment. The cost of cocaine isn't just measured in cash – it's measured in lives.

"Some might think that cocaine doesn't have an impact on their lives and that it's a harmless party drug. But we know different.

"Dealing with Scotland's drug problem isn't straightforward. It involves a combination of education, prevention, treatment and enforcement – and a shared determination."

Portobello High School is integrating the project into the school curriculum for S1 and S5 pupils by using a learning support framework developed by Girvan Academy in South Ayrshire.

Portobello headteacher Peigi Macarthur said: "This is a tremendous educational opportunity for all of our pupils."

Year five pupils will learn about the harmful impact of the cocaine trade and year one pupils will be taught about the impact of alcohol abuse.

Mr Rodriguez, who is on his first official visit to Scotland, will also visit Girvan Academy in South Ayrshire tomorrow and meet Minister for Community Safety Fergus Ewing at Holyrood.

In 2008, 79 people in Scotland died from an overdose involving cocaine.