The introduction of an extra judicial body for first time offenders will halt criminal proceedings against those found in possession of drugs for personal use.

The project, announced in last night’s Budget, combines an Arrest Referral Scheme with an alternative form of proceedings.

This will mean that cases of first time offenders found in possession of dangerous drugs for personal use will no longer automatically fall under a criminal court.

This seems to follow the position put forward by the body responsible for redrafting the National Drugs Policy last month.

The Commission for the Abuse of Drugs had advocated a system in which first time offenders would no longer be labeled as criminals for possession for personal use.

Arrestees will have to fulfil specific criteria and if found in compliance will not be prosecuted by the police.

Instead, the Extra Judicial Body will hear such cases.

In place of the standard criminal consequences, arrestees will undergo therapy set forward by the body.

The Budget document said that this procedure would result in more effective procedures to relieve the burden on the police force and the courts.

It will also reduce the time between arrest and contact with rehabilitation and therapy providers.

This, it said, would ultimately contribute to a higher rate of success in reducing drug use and repeat offences.