Brasília, 6/25/2003 (Agência Brasil – ABr) - The Brazilian Armed Forces will train some 100,000 youths annually in order to strengthen the fight against drug use and drug traffic in Brazil. Each year, 100,000 youths, male and female, are inducted into the Army, Air Force and Navy; as of now they will receive special training, beyond basic training, in how to deal with drug problems in their communities.

The change is part of an agreement of intentions signed by the Ministry of Defense, the Anti-Drugs Secretariat, the Presidency and the Commission on Foreign Relations and National Defense at the Chamber of Deputies. According to the president (chairperson) of the commission, Zulaiê Cobra (PSDB-SP), "This is an action in defense of our country's young people." (AB)