DRUGS COURTS TO BE LAUNCHED

The location of Scotland's first US-style drugs court is to be announced.

Details of the specialist court will be revealed on Wednesday by Deputy
Justice Minister Iain Gray.

The courts, which are already established in the United States and Canada,
work by dealing with drug-using offenders separately.

The Scottish Executive is keen to develop a similar system on this side of
the Atlantic in an effort to curb the drugs problem.

It is estimated that more than 30,000 people in Scotland use drugs, and
many can find themselves caught in a cycle of crime to feed their habit.

Many of the same faces are seen going through the courts only to return
time and again. Drugs workers are already trying to offer offenders
treatment rather than punishment in a bid to break that cycle.

In the United States, offenders who pass through drugs courts have to prove
that they are off illegal substances and on the straight and narrow.

However, if they re-offend they could face a prison sentence.

The introduction of the courts has been broadly welcomed in Scotland.

If they prove a success the scheme will be expanded across the country.

Drugs strategy

The move is part of a drive by the Scottish Executive to curb drug misuse
in Scotland.

There are also efforts to halt the rise in the number of people who drive
while under the influence of drugs.

First Minister Henry McLeish said the initiative would be backed up by new
law enforcement guidelines.

Scotland Against Drugs has also been given UKP 4.5m to encourage Scottish
businesses to offer jobs for former drug addicts.