FIFTH OF INMATES USE DRUGS

More than a fifth of prison inmates have tested positive for drug use,
figures show.

Of 3564 tests carried out in the year to June 30, 793 - 22 percent - were
positive.

That was above the Corrections Department's target of 20 percent but was
still encouraging, Corrections Minister Matt Robson said yesterday.

In the year ended June 30, 1998, 35 percent of tests were positive. In the
year to June 30, 1999, 3062 inmates were tested, with 782 - 26 percent -
testing positive.

The Corrections Department was making progress in the war against drugs in
jails, Mr Robson said. "It is heartening to see that the department is
reducing drugs in prisons, but the battle is not over."