Areas blighted by drug crime are set to get more than �190m extra cash to help tackle the problem, said David Blunkett.

The home secretary named 30 areas across England that will benefit.

Areas targeted

North Liverpool Middlesbrough Bradford South Bradford North Central Bristol North Bristol South Bristol Millgarth, Leeds Calderdale Killingbeck, Leeds Nottingham North Manchester South Manchester Hull Salford Bolton Rochdale Reading Waltham Forest Lambeth Camden Southwark Haringey Newham Hackney Ealing City of Westminster Islington Tower Hamlets Wandsworth

More than �46m will be spent on drug testing programmes, a 50% expansion of drug testing and treatment orders, and a new scheme to help offenders leaving prison.

A �50m special fund for local police commanders, was also announced by Mr Blunkett.

And local groups are to get a share of �94m to help tackle crime and drugs.

Speaking to a conference on drugs in central London Mr Blunkett said: "We want to give local partnerships the resources and flexibility to target investment where it will reduce crime and deliver real change on the ground.

"Drugs can tear communities apart and make thieves and villains out of those who would, under normal circumstances, be law-abiding citizens."

Crime wave

The 30 designated areas were chosen because of high levels of the crime particularly associated with drug abuse such as burglary, theft, and shoplifting, the Home Office said.

The initiatives will include "pre-arrest" programmes aimed at targeting persistent drug users before they commit crime and drug testing facilities in police custody suites.

Mr Blunkett said he recognised that people in some areas were experiencing a crime wave brought about by drug abuse.

Mr Blunkett was addressing a London conference on drugs

"That is why we will use every opportunity to break the link between drugs and offending," he said.

"Evidence shows that targeting offenders at all points in the criminal justice system works to reduce reoffending and dependence on drugs.

"The best place for drug using offenders is in treatment and out of trouble.

"Drug Treatment and Testing Orders are tough love - accept the treatment on offer or face custody."