News

Teenagers charged with theft, burglary or car crime will be automatically  tested for Class A drugs from this week.

Fourteen to seventeen year olds in ten areas will be subject to the tests when they are charged with any of a range of “trigger” offences which often linked to drug use. Those testing positive for heroin,  crack or cocaine will be referred to specialist youth workers.

Police already have the power to test over-18s in police detention who have been charged with certain offences. The list of trigger offences has been extended to include handling stolen goods and offences related to begging. Individuals charged with other offences can also be tested if authorised by a senior police officer.

Drug testing for teenagers will initially take place in Liverpool, Manchester, Camden, Southwark, Newham, Middlesborough, Nottingham, Calderdale, Bradford and Kingston upon Hull.

Drug information charity DrugScope has given a cautious welcome to the pilots but has warned that more investment is needed in drug prevention and treatment programmes if use of class A drugs by young people is to be reduced.