JOHN Major today injected another £2 million into the war on drugs as he stepped up his personal crusade against "one of the great menaces of our age".

The Prime Minister launched a new free booklet to help parents combat the menace and promised the local drug action teams and the private sector could now bid in partnership for a share of a new £2 million challenge fund.

On the first anniversary of his "Tackling Drugs Together" drive, Mr Major announced the appointment of a new senior International Drugs Co-ordinator to oversee the United Kingdom's efforts to tackle drugs internationally.

Mr Major pledged no let up in the drive to stamp out the menace: "Twelve months ago I announced a new government drive against drugs - vigorous law enforcement, accessible treatment and a new emphasis on education and prevention.

"Today I am announcing further measures to increase the momentum in the fight against drugs.

"The government will continue to give a clear lead against one of the great menaces of our age.

"We are building a partnership across the community to tackle drugs.

"It's a fight we must win to give all our young people the most important chance there is - the chance of a better life."

Cabinet drugs co-ordinator Tony Newton said that a message of fear will not persuade youngsters of the dangers of drugs

He admitted that the hard-hitting campaign with the slogan "Heroin screws you up", run several years ago, had not worked.

He accepted that the drugs problem had increased in Britain along with other countries, but said the drug action teams set up over a year ago across the country were beginning to work.

However the statistics show that the strategy is having only a limited impact on drug use and availability.

But Mr Newton said that the drive would only pay off over the long term.

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