A court designed to deal specifically with drug offenders could be up and running within the next four months The Royal Gazette can reveal.

Magistrates' Court staff, including Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner, probation officers and drug counsellors have been attending a special seminar on the operation of the court this week.

When contacted about the Drug Treatment Court, Derrick Binns, the director of the National Drug Commission, the body that is co-ordinating the launch of the court, confirmed the seminar was running.

Dr. Binns said: "It is true that this is part of the preparation for the Drug Treatment Court. We have been developing this, as you know, for some time. He continued. "And this is introductory training for the concept of a Drug Treatment Court. No, a firm date has not been set as yet. A few issues have to be resolved.'' Another source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said it will not take long for the court to start up once Police officers are trained in how the programme works and they "buy into'' the concept.

And the source suggested that the new Drug Treatment Court will not be held in a separate courtroom with a dedicated magistrate but in a regular court.

"I think the first part of May will see the launch, certainly not sooner,'' the source said. "And I don't see them paying all that much money for another magistrate. It will be in the regular courts but during wholly separate sessions.'' Just last week Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner told one lawyer the court will be in operation "very soon'', although he did not give a specific date.

During a court session he suggested to former magistrate Arthur Hodgson that the drug court's start is imminent.

Mr. Hodgson was arguing for a court appearance in six months' time for an admitted addict who was accused of using threatening behaviour and words to Police.

He suggested the man should be allowed to complete a drug treatment programme without interruption from the outside world, thereby bettering his chances of success in recovery.

Mr. Hodgson explained that after more than two decades of drug use, his client was now prepared to be in a stringent programme such as Focus or the Salvation Army's Harbour Light.

"He's prepared to work through such a programme,'' he said. "We think that six months will give an indication whether or not it is working. We think he'll be sorted out by then.

"And if he's unsuccessful, then we can come back to court and we can deal with the matter.'' But Mr. Warner was reluctant to grant the six-month adjournment as per his policy of ensuring "summary justice'' or conclusion of a matter within two months.

Drugs court weeks away "Don't worry Mr. Hodgson,'' Mr. Warner said. "I know what you're trying. For your information we're setting up the drugs court very soon. Then we will have the power to do just that.'' "It will be a special framework for our social problems that are creating serious problems in the community. This court hasn't got the power as you are suggesting...yet.'' Mr. Hodgson -- who was pushed out of Cabinet last year -- replied: "Yes, Your Worship, I'm quite aware of Government's plans.'' He added: "I do think these are the type of offences that could be considered for a drugs court. Just bringing that to your attention.'' Candidacy for a Drug Treatment Court appearance will come after Police have identified an addict who might benefit from a drug treatment programme.

The new way of approaching addiction will include a revamp of Probation Services into the Court Services department and the creation of Assessment and Rehabilitation Services, to test the suitability of a potential client.

The Drug Treatment Court will offer an alternative to imprisonment -- depending upon compliance -- but not a lesser sentence.

Addicts must volunteer to go before a Drugs Court Magistrate and submit to treatment.