NATIONAL leaders in the fight against drugs are set to meet in York for a major conference.

The city is to play host to more than 300 delegates at the Northern Arrest Referrals Forum's first National Conference on Arrest Referral which takes place tomorrow and Wednesday at the Ebor Suite at York Racecourse.

Arrest referral schemes are designed to help cut drug-related crime by giving drug-addicted criminals the chance to get help and kick the habit for good.

Detective Constable Paul Johnson, drug liaison officer with York police, said: "Arrest referral schemes have been identified as one important way of combating drug-related offending. By offering an opportunity for treatment and help, sometimes as an alternative to prosecution, they can offer the possibility of a long-term solution to addiction.

"By adopting this type of approach everyone benefits - the individual, families and friends and the wider community."

Speakers at the conference include Home Office minister Bob Ainsworth MP, who has responsibility for anti-drugs co-ordination and organised crime, Mike Trace, the deputy UK anti-drugs co-ordinator, Cliff Dixon, the assistant chief constable of Bedfordshire Police, Professor Michael Glossop, from the National Addiction Centre, in London, Professor Christine Godfrey, from the University of York, and Mark Edmunds, from the Criminal Policy Research Unit at South Bank University.

DC Johnson said: "North Yorkshire Police are at the forefront of developing this type of scheme, particularly in York, where pilot schemes have been operated. I am delighted to be involved in organising this conference which has attracted more than 300 delegates and a range of speakers of the highest quality."

The conference is aimed at people involved in the running of arrest referral schemes within the police service and treatment agencies as well as actual arrest referral workers.

Updated: 11:53 Monday, July 02, 2001