ISFAHAN Secretary General of Drug Control Headquarters Mohammad Fallah said here Wednesday that implementation of repressive policies regarding narcotic smuggling has in itself become an social dilemma. Speaking at a meeting of Isfahan Province Drug Control Headquarters', he added that in addition to tough measures, other ways to combat narcotics smuggling have to be taken into consideration. He also called for finding innovative ways to combat drug trafficking and consumption, adding Higher drug seizure and higher fatalities is not indicative of the success of this policy.'' Fallah said different measures implemented by the drug control headquarters are indicative of a change of mind set in combating illicit drugs. Over 470 tons of drugs were seized in Iran last year (ended March 19) Fallah said, adding that about 2,000 tons of narcotics are smuggled into the country annually for internal consumption as well as for transit. Taking into account the prices of drugs, it is estimated that Rls.16,000 billion is spent on illicit drugs annually which is a big problem from economic point of view, Fallah stated. He said because most of the money is transacted among the poor segment of the society, exchange of drugs has turned into a job for a lot of people in the society. Fallah said that recently, foreign news agencies have launched negative propaganda campaign against Iran's anti-narcotic policies. He said, One of the reasons for this propaganda campaign may be the release of pessimistic figures by some organizations.'' Fallah also added that Iran is bearing most of the brunt of the transit of narcotics from Afghanistan compared to Europe. He said Iran is not hopeful about assistance from Europe in this regard.'' (IRNA)