'Coke-snorting fashionistas' fuel Africa's woes

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THE United Nations' anti-drugs chief has attacked celebrities like singer Amy Winehouse and supermodel Kate Moss, saying they fuel problems in Africa by allegedly taking drugs.

Antonio Maria Costa, executive director of the UN's Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), said some stars were sending out the wrong message on drugs, which he linked to violence and corruption.

He contrasted this approach with that of singers Bono and Bob Geldof, both campaigners against poverty in Africa, and stars who have worked against the blood diamond trade, highlighted in the 2006 film of the same name.

"While some glitterati are trying to save Africa, others are contributing to its demise," Mr Costa wrote in the UK's Observer newspaper.

"Coke-snorting fashionistas are not only damaging their noses and their brains -- they are contributing to state failure on the other side of the world.

"Amy Winehouse might adopt a defiant pose and slur her way through 'Rehab' (her hit single) but does she realise the message she sends to others who are vulnerable to addiction and who cannot afford expensive treatment?

"Are such stars who flaunt their drug use aware of the damage caused by the trafficking of cocaine from South America via Africa to Europe?"

He added: "For every rebel with a cause, there are 10 others without a clue.

"While some well-meaning pop idols and film stars might rage against suffering in Africa, their work is being undermined by the drug habits of careless peers such as Kate Moss."

Mr Costa said that supplies of drugs from South America bound for Europe often pass through west Africa because governments there cannot mount effective security operations against drug traders.

The drugs trade there "is causing untold misery, corruption, violence and instability," he added.

His comments come in the wake of last week's UN report which warned that letting celebrities get away with drug crimes sends out the wrong message to impressionable young people.

The International Narcotics Control Board report did not name names but said famous people who break the law should be treated the same as non-celebrities.

A spokesman for Winehouse, Chris Goodman, described Mr Costa as "a ludicrous man" in response to the comments, the Observer reported.

"Amy has never given a quote about drugs or flaunted it in any way. She's had some problems and is trying to get better. The UN should get its own house in order," he was quoted as saying.

Winehouse has recently been attending a rehabilitation centre.

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599...3-1702,00.html