A PROGRAMME designed to get drug-addict offenders into treatment was yesterday extended to parts of the North-East.

Hartlepool, Stockton, Sunderland and Newcastle central are among 36 new areas running the Government scheme, which aims to crack drug crime by testing offenders for Class A drugs when they are charged by police.

They are then referred to drug workers while in police custody and later guided into treatment.

The Criminal Justice Interventions Programme, which has been running as pilot schemes in England since April last year, aims to reduce the number of crimes committed by addicts to fund their habits.

Once in treatment caseworkers provide help and advice on keeping drug-free, or finding a job or home.

Home Office drugs minister Caroline Flint said the programme addressed drug addiction at the root of so much acquisitive crime. "Problem drug users cost the economy between £10bn and £18bn a year.

"Evidence shows that targeting offenders at every point in the criminal justice system reduces re-offending and dependence on drugs."