Revenues and customs lead drug seizures

摘要

Local police forces made 96% of all illegal drug seizures in 2006/07 - but the quantity of drugs seized by Whitehall's Revenue and Customs department was still greater. Statistics published by the Home Office last week revealed how national and local bodies across England and Wales collaborated to tackle the stream of Class A drugs still finding their way into communities. British Crime Survey data, published alongside the Home Office's figures, also indicates that illicit drug use may be declining. Local police forces led 180,000 major raids on drugs gangs and dealers, often following close discussions with local councils. These raids included those undertaken in collaboration with the Government's Serious and Organised Crime Agency. Revenue and Customs officers, meanwhile, made 6,500 seizures. But because Revenue and Customs officials are responsible for monitoring major airports and coastal ports, they seized 89% of all cannabis found entering the country, 70% of cocaine and 53% of heroin.