DRUG TESTS TO BE MANDATORY

MANDATORY drug tests could soon be given to anyone in Oldham charged with
crimes such as theft, burglary and robbery.

Greater Manchester Police has the power to test detainees over the age of 18
charged with certain offences.

The scheme, which is already running in north and south Manchester, Salford,
Bolton and Rochdale, is expected to be launched throughout the county within
the next few months.

Other offences include taking vehicles without consent, deception, and
possession or supply of certain Class A drugs.

The tests will be carried out by trained civilian officers whose work will
be part of the National Drug Strategy, which aims to identify those people
who misuse heroin or crack cocaine.

The initiative aims to make further progress in breaking the link between
drugs and crime by monitoring the progress of drug-takers, encouraging them
to address their addiction and deterring future use.