Drug abuse among Guatemala youth up 50% 28 Sep 03

(28 Sep 03) A recent survey claims that drug abuse among Guatemala youth has risen by 40-55% over the past five years. Students, ages 12-20, in both public and private schools where asked about the use of alcohol, tabacco, and drugs. Ten percent indicated they have used cocaine, crack, heroine, or other illicit drugs. Observers blame the increase on Guatemala's growing role as a transit point for cocaine from Columbia headed to the U.S. President Bush recently reinstated Guatemala as a "cooperating nation" in the war against drugs, ending its status as uncertified due to its lack of effort to end traffiking.

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