The head of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime says that inexpensive and easily produced synthetic amphetamine-type stimulants are the largest narcotics problem most nations will face in the future and could create a "generation of vegetables."

Antonio Maria Costa, head of the Vienna-based agency, will release a report next month on the growth in production and use of synthetic drugs - including amphetamine, methamphetamine and Ecstasy. These drugs have become more socially acceptable than more traditional drugs like heroin, he said in press reports.

"The problem with synthetic drugs is the damage that they do to the body - mostly the brain - is irreversible, which is not the case with organic drugs," said Costa. "ATS drills holes in the brain ... it gives Alzheimer-type symptoms and therefore threatens to create a generation of vegetables. There is no specific treatment. Our society is not ready for this."

He said synthetic drugs are more dangerous than tradition addictive drugs because they produce a "addiction by stealth" effect.

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