This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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International Drugs summit
23/09/2002
Scotland's support for increased global co-operation in
attacking the international drug supply network and the
drug barons who control it will be reinforced at a special
meeting of the Scottish Drug Enforcement Forum today.
First Minister Jack McConnell will address high-ranking
officers from the US Drug Enforcement Administration, who
were invited after he accompanied its officers on an
operation in New York during Tartan Day earlier this
year. Representatives from Scottish and UK enforcement
agencies will also attend.
One of the areas under discussion at the Tulliallan
Police College is increasing the seizure of the assets drug
dealers use to enjoy lavish lifestyles and fund criminal
enterprises.
Mr McConnell said:
"I want Scotland to be a centre of excellence in
tackling drugs and also play our full part nationally and
internationally. One of the key ways we can do this is by
seizing through powerful new legislation more of the funds
drug dealers use to spread misery in communities.
"This special meeting will help us crackdown on dealers
and make crime pay.
"Drugs networks are the multi-national corporations of
the criminal world. This is a global menace which needs a
tough global response, sharing our expertise and combining
our forces against the supply chain.
"I was extremely impressed by the US DEA officers I
joined on an operation in New York. That is why I invited
senior US DEA officers to Scotland and I am delighted that
they are able to be here."
The special meeting will hear from Mr Richard Fiano,
Director of US DEA Operations in Europe, Africa and the
Middle East and Mr Joseph Keefe, US DEA Special Agent.
The First Minister, ACPOS President Chief Constable
Andrew Cameron and SDEA Director Jim Orr will also meet
with the US DEA officers.
The Scottish Drug Enforcement Forum, which meets
annually, is chaired by Deputy Justice Minister Richard
Simpson. It was established to bring together agencies
involved in drug enforcement in Scotland to improve
co-operation against drug dealing and first met in
2000.
In 2001-02, the SDEA seized drugs with a street value of
£19.9 million (72 per cent of which were Class A) and 172
people were arrested for drug trafficking offences. Since
April of this year, drugs with a street value of £11.2
million have been seized, and 95 persons arrested for drug
trafficking offences.
New powers to seize the assets of drug dealers and
suspected drug dealers under the Proceeds of Crime Bill are
expected to come into force early next year.