HOME Secretary Jack Straw has praised Lancashire Constabulary's latest ethnic drug education initiative.

Three new leaflets, aimed at the Islamic, Sikh and Hindu communities, have been launched by the force to raise awareness of drug-related issues among ethnic groups.

Lancashire was the first force in the country to specifically target members of the Islamic community, adapting its Choices programme, originally launched to target young people.

The Islamic leaflet included extracts from the Quran banning any form of drug abuse and its launch last year was supported by Islamic religious leaders.

Mr Straw MP said: "I'm really delighted the force is raising awareness of such an important issue.

"The first generation of ethnic communities in Lancashire didn't face the same problems regarding drugs as the second and third do. This initiative addresses the drugs issue, by bringing important religious aspects to the fore for the first time."

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