Police begin drug testing suspects

North Wales police will take part in the pilot

North Wales police have been given the power to compulsory drug test people in custody under a new scheme by the Home Office.

It has been introduced after research showed that these drugs are most commonly associated with drug-related crime.

The regions police force and the national probation service have been selected to take part in the two year pilot project.

I am confident that drug testing will assist us in addressing drug related crime

Chief Inspector Mark Owen

The scheme will begin in June and is the only one of its kind in Wales.

There are five other sites across the UK, which are Merseyside, Lancashire, Bedfordshire, South Yorkshire and Devon and Cornwall.

Chief Inspector Mark Owen from North Wales Police said: "I welcome the opportunity for the force and our partners in the pobation service to take part in this scheme."

He added: "I am confident that drug testing will assist us in addressing drug related crime."

Tests will be carried out for cannabis and cocaine use

All suspects charged with offences ranging from burglary and robbery to drugs offences will have to provide a saliva sample which will be tested for signs of heroin or cocaine use.

Anyone who tests positive will be offered treatment and the results will be made known to the courts to assist with bail and sentencing decisions.

It will be restricted to those brought into custody at Wrexham and Mold police stations.

Assistant chief probation officer Steve Ray as welcomed the pilot: "The scheme brings with it some real opportunities to make a difference.

"I am confident that all of the criminal justice agencies involved, together with the local authorty, health and voluntary sector partners will respond positively to the challenges that lie ahead."