Blair to get tough on heroin users

Heroin use could become a new offence punishable by up to seven years in jail under a clampdown on hard drugs being planned by Tony Blair.

A secret Downing Street report recommends putting the use of heroin on a par with possession of the substance in what would be a highly controversial move.

Police would be given powers to test suspected users. If found to be positive they would be forced either to undergo rehabilitation or be prosecuted. Their names would then be placed on a register of heroin users.

The recommendation is in a report drawn up for Mr Blair by Lord Birt, the former BBC director general who is now the Prime Minister's "blue skies" thinker at No10.

It chimes in with a desire by ministers to draw a distinction between hard drugs such as crack and softer substances such as cannabis.