A United Nations report is calling for tougher punishments for drug-using celebrities such as Pete Doherty and Amy Winehouse.

A new report has slammed authorities for being too lenient on stars, claiming that it sends out the wrong message to teenagers.

Professor Hamid Ghodse from The International Narcotics Control Board (Incb) said: "They get more lenient responses by the judiciary and law enforcement, and that is regrettable. There should not be any difference between a celebrity who is breaking the law and non-celebrities.

"Not only does it give the wrong messages to young people, who are often quite impressionable, but the wider public become cynical about the responses to drug offenders."

Prof Ghodse declined to name any specific stars but he said: "A number of people have got a lenient response in the UK and around the world."

The report said: "The authorities ... should ensure that public celebrities who violate drug laws are made accountable."

© Independent Television News Limited 2008. All rights reserved.