Albania battles rising youth drug abuse

Albania, often accused of being a transit spot for drugs destined for Western Europe, is increasingly becoming a country of consumption, providing authorities with a tough new challenge.

"The consumption of drugs has seen a worrying rise, particularly among young people," said Albanian Health Minister Anila Godo.

The use of illegal substances such as ecstasy or other amphetamines was of particular concern, the minister said.

"Some products are readily available in pharmacies, which can then be easily modified by drug addicts for their own use," said Ms Godo, stressing this represented a "real challenge for the whole of society."

Albania lies on the Balkans trafficking route used by organised crime gangs to smuggle drugs, arms and people into Europe from the Far East, Africa and the Middle East.

Its health ministry says there are now between 40,000 and 60,000 addicts in the country of 3.1 million inhabitants, up from an estimated 5,000 in 1995.