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20/08/2003
Detained addicts to face compulsory drug testing
Addicts who steal to fund their habit will face compulsory drug testing when they are arrested as part of a £46 million package of measures to tackle drug-related crime.
The scheme aims to get offenders off drugs and out of trouble and is being phased into 30 of England's worst-affected areas. It aims to provide support and treatment from the moment they are identified as drug users through to the end of their sentences and beyond.
The compulsory testing will help to identify heroin, crack and cocaine users who steal to fund their addiction and make sure they are identified early and offered the appropriate treatment.
Home Office Minister Hazel Blears said: "For every £1 spent on treatment £3 is saved in the criminal justice system, that is why we are spending record amounts on the fight against drugs - £1.2 billion this year including £503 million on treatment alone.
"Property crime like robbery and car crime is going down, but still remains a problem, fuelled by class A drugs. Drugs can tear communities apart and make thieves and villains out of those who would, under normal circumstances, be law-abiding citizens."
Pilot schemes in Hackney and Haringey have found that as many as 66% of offenders tested positive for drugs.
(gmcg)
The scheme aims to get offenders off drugs and out of trouble and is being phased into 30 of England's worst-affected areas. It aims to provide support and treatment from the moment they are identified as drug users through to the end of their sentences and beyond.
The compulsory testing will help to identify heroin, crack and cocaine users who steal to fund their addiction and make sure they are identified early and offered the appropriate treatment.
Home Office Minister Hazel Blears said: "For every £1 spent on treatment £3 is saved in the criminal justice system, that is why we are spending record amounts on the fight against drugs - £1.2 billion this year including £503 million on treatment alone.
"Property crime like robbery and car crime is going down, but still remains a problem, fuelled by class A drugs. Drugs can tear communities apart and make thieves and villains out of those who would, under normal circumstances, be law-abiding citizens."
Pilot schemes in Hackney and Haringey have found that as many as 66% of offenders tested positive for drugs.
(gmcg)
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