MP WELCOMES DRUGS STRATEGY

A RUNCORN MP has welcomed a new drug strategy which would give police
the power to seize the assets of drug dealers.

Mike Hall said the move would enable the police to build on current
success in the war against drugs.

Gordon Brown has announced that UKP1b will be spent each year on
implementing the strategy, which aims to cut drug related crime,
reduce drug use among young people and expand the number of users in rehab.

The new 10 year strategy launched by the government includes plans to:

Give police new powers to seize the assets of drug dealers to
demonstrate that crime does not pay.

Place a greater responsibility on drug users on benefits to get
treatment and back into work.

Increase the use of community sentences with a rehabilitation requirement.

Strengthen and extend international agreements to combat the flow of
drugs to the UK.

Put drug using families into treatment more quickly.

Develop support for drug treatment so that those who quit drugs are
offered training and support in getting work and re-establishing their lives.

Mr Hall said: "The police are doing an excellent job in tackling drug
dealing and making a real difference.

"I believe the new powers will enable the police to build on their
success and help to reduce drug related crimes."