BLAIR DECLARES WAR ON DRUGS WITH HARD-HITTING BILL

Police and the courts are to be given tough new powers to win the war
on drugs in a crackdown being planned by Prime Minister Tony Blair, it
emerged tonight.

Stronger powers to confiscate drug dealers' assets will be one move
included in a hard-hitting Drugs Bill in next year's Queen's Speech.

Anyone convicted of drug offences being liable to have their passport
withdrawn will be another.

There will also be tougher regulation of club bouncers and greater
help for rehabilitation and treatment of addicts.

The Prime Minister will also reappoint drugs tsar Keith Hellawell for
another three-year term, in a ringing endorsement of his work so far.

Speaking as he returned from his trip to Russia today, Mr
Blair told The Sunday Express: "We have got to crack down
very, very hard on the drugs industry.

"Parents are petrified about drugs. A problem as big as this needs
radical thinking and action."

According to Downing Street insiders, mansions owned by drug dealers
could be seized if they cannot prove how they legally acquired the
property.

Suspected drug dealing by bouncers in nightclubs will also be
targeted.

The crackdown came in the wake of the Prime Minister's shock that
nearly 300 people die in Scotland from drugs each year.