This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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FM invites US police to drugs summit
05/04/2002
First Minister Jack McConnell said today he would build
on his fact-finding trip with US Drugs Enforcement Agency
officers by inviting them to a drugs summit in
Scotland.
Speaking after accompanying enforcement officers on a
drugs call-out, Mr McConnell said:
"In Scotland I want to catch the dealers and cut drug
use. It is obvious from what I have seen today that there
is much to be learnt from how forces in other countries are
tackling the scourge of drugs in their communities.
"Innovative ways of challenging the problems that drug
misuse create should not be kept to just a few forces or a
few countries. Drugs barons have no regard for national
boundaries. This is an international problem which can only
be tackled by working together, harnessing resources and
sharing best practice.
"Back in Scotland we are already working with other
police forces in the UK and Ireland to pool ideas and are
looking at fresh ways of confronting the problem with a new
drugs communication strategy that is realistic yet tough on
dealers.
"That is why I am delighted to be able to extend an
invitation to the US Drugs Enforcement Agency to come to
Scotland and take part in my forthcoming summit on
drugs.
"This will look to hear from experts from all walks of
life and share successful practices which will make a
difference to the people whose lives are blighted by
drugs.
The Scottish Drug Enforcement Agency was created in June
2000 to co-ordinate all intelligence and operational
elements of drug enforcement.
The SDEA aims to reduce availability of drugs in
Scotland, target and smash organised crime, arrest drug
suppliers and traffickers and help Scottish police forces
in the detection of drug-related crime. It also aims to
maximise the use of intelligence on drugs and other
organised crime and enhance and co-ordinate police
involvement in wider drug policies.