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70 Percent Of Men Entering Jail Test Positive For Drugs

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A new federal study found that 70 percent of men being booked at the Hennepin County Jail tested positive for drugs.

The study was done in 2010 and found that the number had risen 10 percent compared to the year before.

The data says the most common drug detected is marijuana, with 52 percent of the male population testing positive. That's followed by cocaine, opiates, oxycodone, and methamphetamine.

About 70 percent of those entering the jail for violent crime tested positive for illegal drugs.

The study used booked inmates who volunteered to be interviewed. The information they provide is verified with drug testing. Most have used drugs in recent days or weeks – and some may still be under the influence of an illegal substance when they get to jail.

The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office said that drug use costs them more money because those inmates may have behavior issues and may need additional supervision from deputies. Also there may be inmates that go into withdrawal and need medical attention and treatments, which are required by the jail.

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