The United Nations drug control agency has expressed its concern over drug abuse among celebrities, which can encourage young people to consume illegal substances.

The agency criticized the fact that drug-abusing celebrities benefit from more indulgent penalties or even none at all. According to the annual report of the International Narcotics Control Board, treating stars “leniently” might reduce the credibility of the criminal justice system, leaving the adolescents the impression that they can get away with it.

“There should not be any difference between a celebrity who is breaking the law and non-celebrities,” Professor Hamid Ghodse, a member of the INCB told the UK’s Press Association Wednesday.

Phillip Emafo, president of INCB said that celebrities’ involvement in drug trafficking or using lead’s to the glamorization of such a negative and concerning habit.

He added that authorities should realize that cutting slack on drug-consuming celebs, sends out a wrong message to teenagers.

The UN drugs watchdog mentioned a few examples of celebrities who had an easy ride from the legal system.

Kate Moss was photographed snorting cocaine in 2005. She was not charged, although she lost important contracts over the cocaine scandal. But, after the less-fortunate cocaine episode, Moss has managed to revive her career, hanging on in the world’s best-paid models list.

Moss’ former boyfriend, Pete Doherty, has had drug problems which brought him before court for several times, but he has avoided jail until now. Moreover, he was designated Hero of the Year by this month’s issue of music magazine NME.

Amy Winehouse’s more recent case is another example of “successful” drug-abusing celebrity. Despite Amy’s problems with the law after a video featuring her smocking crack was released in the worldwide media, she has been granted numerous music awards this year.

Another important issue brought on in the report was related to Afghanistan’s increasing production of opium. Opium is a chemical acetic anhydride used in heroin production. According to the report, Afghanistan produces 93% of the world’s opium.