Report: Fewer workers using cocaine

WASHINGTON, Aug. 10 (UPI) -- The percentage of U.S. workers testing positive for cocaine dropped significantly in 2007, Quest Diagnostics reported Thursday.

The decline was the largest since Quest began its reports 10 years ago. Quest is the country’s largest supplier of workplace drug-testing.

“These data are encouraging,” said John Walters, director of National Drug Control Policy. “Cocaine has destroyed thousands of lives in the United States and brought lawlessness and misery to our neighbors. But in recent years, we have had unprecedented cooperation with leaders in Colombia and Mexico. Now is the time to build on this progress.”

Quest found declines in cocaine use among employees in occupations where regular drug-testing is required by federal safety workers -- including truck and bus drivers, pilots and nuclear power plant workers. The percentage of positive tests was also down among other workers.

The biggest regional declines were in New England and the South Central states.