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Scotland’s second drug court pilot will be set up in Fife, it was announced following the successful take-up of drug testing and treatment orders in the area.

Iain Gray, the deputy justice minister, made the announcement on the same day as the first sitting of a pilot drug court in Glasgow.

The aim of the drugs courts is to help drug-dependent offenders break away from crime. They are also designed to reduce the level of drug related crime in communities, which is estimated to cost as much as £300 million a year.

Gray said: "The Executive has recognised that Scotland’s drug problem is not limited to our cities. That is are investing heavily in treatment and rehabilitation services in areas like Fife."

The Fife drug court is expected to be up and running by the summer next year.