Pubdate: Wed, 29 Jun 2005
Source: Daily Record (UK)
Copyright: 2005 Daily Record and Sunday Mail Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/111
Author: Richard Elias
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/af.htm (Asset Forfeiture)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/raids.htm (Drug Raids)

THE DRUG BUSTERS

Cops Seize A?25m Haul

Scotland's team of drug-busters have seized hauls with a street value
of A?22million in the past year.

The Scottish Drug Enforcement Agency's success has stopped crime gangs
cashing in on 357kg of drugs, including heroin, cocaine and ecstasy.

Director Graeme Pearson said yesterday he was delighted with their
achievements.

He added: 'We have recognised for some time that organised crime
operates as a business.

'Over the last year, the agency have worked hard to protect Scottish
communities from the very real dangers presented by the gangsters who
operate under the guise of legitimacy.

'In many cases, this has involved working closely with our national
and international law enforcement partners.

'And we have engaged directly with those organised criminals whose
activities can devastate the lives of our most vulnerable citizens.'

Last week, the Record revealed how the agency had helped seize around
A?38million worth of assets from crooks.

Mr Pearson believes that his most powerful weapon is the Proceeds of
Crime Act which allows the agency to seize the assets of criminals.

Hostile He explained: 'The Act represents a significant weapon in our
armoury and we will continue to use the full weight of the legislation
in our pursuit of those involved in profiting from serious, organised
crime.

'We have worked hard to ensure that Scotland is not a soft target and
we will continue our efforts to create an increasingly hostile
environment for organised crime.'

If the courts agree assets seized have been obtained illegally, they
will be forfeited.

Half the proceeds go to the Treasury with the rest going to the
Executive where it is used for a variety of community crime-fighting
projects.

Among the operations mounted by the agency in the past year have been
tackling computer crime, internet child abuse and people smuggling,
according to the SDEA's annual report, published today.

Around 225 people have been arrested and 84 criminal networks
smashed.

Their successes have led the Executive to agree to setting up
Britain's first 'law enforcement campus' at Gartcosh,
Lanarkshire.

The SDEA's record contrasts sharply with colleagues south of the
Border.

There the Assets Recovery Agency have been strongly criticised for
failing to reach their target for seizing criminals' ill-gotten gains

THE FACTS

This year's figures mean that since their 2001 launch, the SDEA have
seized A?110million worth of drugs.

Huge consignments of heroin, cocaine, ecstasy and cannabis have been
intercepted before they hit Scotland's streets during that time And
753 criminals have been arrested in that period.

In their first year , the agency seized A?17.5million worth of Class A
and Class B drugs, arresting 130 people.

Twelve months later , they had recovered a further A?14.5million worth
of drugs and detained 172 suspects.

And last year , the SDEA intercepted A?55million worth of drugs and
arrested 226 people.
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