S. Sumatra sees rise in drug abusers

S. Sumatra sees rise in drug abusers

PALEMBANG, South Sumatra: The number of drug abusers in South
Sumatra has increased markedly to 507 people last year, from a
mere 228 in 2002, according to data from the local government.

The 150 percent increase in the number of drug abusers has
become a cause of concern to provincial officials.

Sadly, the province does not yet have a modern, fully equipped
drug rehabilitation center, which has given rise to fears that
drug addicts cannot get proper treatment, said Udi K. Hidayat,
head of the Juvenile Delinquent and Drug Victims Social
Rehabilitation Section at the South Sumatra administration. -- JP