NEW research to be published in the spring is expected to highlight the hit-and-miss approach to drugs enforcement by police.

The research, by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, which concentrates on possession of cannabis, will show that punishment varies depending on which constabulary is dealing with the offence.

Durham Police are reported to be among the least lenient, with only 18 per cent of people caught in possession of cannabis being given a caution.

However, a spokesman for the constabulary said this may not be an accurate figure, as the statistics relate to a time when an arrest and referral scheme was operating.

He said the scheme offered first-time offenders caught in possession of small quantities of cannabis the option of being referred for guidance and advice.

This meant they could walk away without a criminal record, an option taken-up by most offenders.

He said: "These people of course don't appear in the figures and that's why it looks like we hardly caution anyone, compared to other forces."

He said: "With regard to this new research, I don't think our drugs policy is any different to any other force."

But Professor Mike Hough, of the criminal policy research unit at South Bank University in London, who led the research, said: "There quite obviously are differences between police forces and the treatment meted out to users."

Dave Cliff, of the Drug Advisory Service, said that while the discrepancy between forces created an inequity, it was important to look at the bigger picture.

"I think there are always elements of discretion in policing," he said.

"We need to hammer down on dealers in our communities rather than on the kid with a spliff in his pocket.

"If there is a major disparity between how individual forces deal with offences, then that is of concern and perhaps there is a need for greater central guidance on this."