A NEW drugs testing programme which will determine if certain crime suspects use heroin or crack cocaine will be launched in Bury.

The initiative is being introduced by Greater Manchester Police from Monday and will also be deployed by other forces nationwide.

Under the programme, all persons aged 18 and over who are charged with an aquisitive offence such as shoplifting, burglary, robbery ,theft of a car and other offences will undergo mouth swabs.

The tests will indicate if they are users of heroin or crack cocaine. The results will be given to JPs at Bury Magistrates Court to make them aware of a defendant's drug habit.

This could allow the magistrates to make certain orders relating to treatment for a particular drug habit and to consider other options. Many offenders commit crimes to fund their drug habit.

Bury's divisional commander is one of those who feels that the new "drug testing on charge" programme will result in significant benefits.

Chief Superintendent Garry Shewan said: "I welcome this initiative as it will enable the police to accurately assess the scale of drug related offending and assist magistrates in appropriate sentencing."