No significant increase was observed in 1997. As in 1996, there were occasions in 1997 when kilograms of heroin seized in London were identified as transiting northern Cyprus from Turkey. There were also seizures in Cyprus of heroin coming from Iran. Cyprus is also a transit point for cocaine transported by commercial air from Brazil and destined for the Middle East and the former Soviet countries. Domestic Programs .
Drug abuse remains relatively mild in Cyprus and is concentrated among the young and tourists.
Hashish is the most commonly used drug, followed by heroin and cocaine, all of which are available in most major cities. Recent increases in drug use have prompted the government to promote demand reduction programs through the school system and social organizations, occasionally with DEA-Nicosia participation. Drug treatment is available. The Road Ahead . The GOC's aggressive advances on the anti-money laundering front and its excellent cooperation on drug law enforcement during 1997 warrant USG optimism for even stronger bilateral cooperation in 1998.