The survey links drugs to property crime

Results of nine pilot projects, where people charged with certain offences were compulsorily drug tested, were published on Friday.

Of the pilot projects, six found more than 50% of suspects tested positive for crack, heroin or cocaine.

The Home Office says this information means those with a drug problem can be more effectively treated.

The drug testing pilot programme was introduced in 2001 in three areas before being extended to a further six sites in summer 2002.

The scheme worked by having those charged with a trigger offence, such as burglary and theft from and of vehicles, compulsorily tested.

Results ranged from 66% testing positive in Hackney to 36% in Torquay.

Worst affected

Drugs Minister Bob Ainsworth, said: "Drug using criminals need to be obliged to get treatment .

"That is why drug testing in custody suites is a vital element of the Government's Drug Strategy.

By targeting drug-fuelled offenders early, we can get them into treatment and away from a life of crime."

Powers to drug test after charge are to be introduced to 30 areas identified as the worst affected by drugs-related crime.

In January the Home Secretary made available an extra �46.2 million in these areas for rolling out a complete package which will target drug misusing.

The results of the pilot areas:

• Hackney, 66%
• Nottingham, 58%
• Stafford and Cannock ,45%
• Bedford, 54%
• Blackpool, 44%
• Doncaster, 63%
• Torquay, 36%
• Wirral, 58%
• Wrexham / Mold, 56%