Pubdate: Tue, 10 Oct 2006
Source: Mirror, The (UK)
Copyright: 2006 The Mirror
Contact:  http://www.mirror.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1161

DRUG LINK TO CRIMES

OVER a third of suspects arrested by police test  positive for class 
A drugs, it was claimed yesterday.

Blood tests taken on suspects revealed traces of  heroin, crack or cocaine.

They were held for "trigger" crimes, like robbery and  burglary, 
where the aim was to generate cash.

The figures were revealed at the end of a nine-month  study by three 
police forces.

Of the 34,497 people detained, 12,865 tested positive  for class A drugs.

The worst area was South Yorkshire where 40.56 per cent  had taken 
drugs. Greater Manchester had 37.04 per cent  and Nottingham 34.45 per cent.

The 2005 Drugs Act allows officers to test arrested  suspects for drugs.
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MAP posted-by: Elaine