Angus MacKay: Rehabilitation measures

"That's the target set out in our Drugs Action Plan of May this year. A big agenda, and today I'm providing a big response - �100 over the next three years.

"This is a huge new investment, but the potential rewards are immense. Not just to the individuals concerned, but to us all.

"Look at what's on offer. Fewer drugs on our streets and the crime associated with that. A reduction in drug related deaths and the harm caused by drug misuse.

"Young people growing up safe and healthy. Former users getting their lives back together - with the real prospect of a steady job."

Having established the Scottish Drugs Enforcement Agency, the measures are seen as the Scottish Executive's efforts in the areas of treatment and rehabilitation.

Faced with statistics which show there were 30,000 drug users and 340 drug-related deaths last year, the executive is particularly keen to target those who offend.

'Grim realities'

More alternatives to custody will be introduced to try to break the cycle of drug offending.

A team of 120 drug treatment specialists will be established to work in Scotland's prisons to help those already in the system.

GPs are also to be encouraged to increase their contact with drug users - something some doctors say they are not equipped to do.

Many say they do not have the resources nor the staff trained in dealing with them and warn it could cause more harm than good.

Mr MacKay said: "Even if you don't know one of the 340 who died last year through drug misuse, or if you don't know any of Scotland's estimated 30,000 problem drug users, the fact is that we all live in communities where crime is committed to feed habits and where young people are offered drugs."

The conference - entitled Tackling Drugs in Scotland - will also be addressed by Ed Jurith, of the Office National Drugs Control Policy in Washington DC.

The Scottish Drugs Enforcement Agency says its main target is "middle ranking" dealers on housing estates.

Speaking at the launch of the �4m body, SDEA director Jim Orr said raids in local communities could make an immediate difference in combating drugs.