Blair war on drugs 'misery'

Tony Blair today pledged a barrage of new laws against dealers "who peddle the misery of drugs" to children.

Unveiling stronger powers for the police and courts, the Prime Minister promised more help for addicts but longer sentences for dealers and an easier prosecution process.

Under the new measures, anyone found carrying more than a tiny amount of a banned substance will be deemed a pusher and prosecuted.

And dealers who use children as drugs couriers will be automatically handed more severe punishments.

Selling drugs near a school will also be counted as an "aggravating factor", attracting tougher penalties. Police will also be given new powers to close down crack dens.

Magistrates will be able to order a suspected dealer who swallows their drugs during a police raid or arrest to be held in the cells for eight days. In addition, prosecutors will be able to cite in court any refusal by a suspect to submit to a body search.

The curbs will include "tough love" measures towards addicts. In future, they will be prosecuted for possession if there are traces of a substance in their bloodstream.

Courts will be able to order addicts to attend clean-up courses and follow detailed medical plans.

Mr Blair said: "We are offering a choice. If you are a drug addict engaged in crime you will be offered a way out through treatment and help. If you refuse that offer it will be made more difficult for you at every stage in the criminal justice system."

Home Secretary David Blunkett said the aim was to "help those who want help" but to "come down like a ton on bricks" on dealers who profit from the trade.

He said helping addicts recover was a duty and did not mean he was "soft on drugs". He added: "We'll help those who want help - for their sake and that of their families and the communities they destroy."

The Government is anxious to respond to a groundswell of despair among parents who fear their children could be sucked into addiction by dealers.