SEIZED CASH CAN BATTLE DRUGS, SAYS RUC

RUC chiefs want to fund the fight against drugs with cash seized from
high-living dealers.

Senior officers are pressing for new laws to give them money raised when the
pushers' property like houses and cars are sold.

They have calculated that the move would give the campaign against the drugs
trade in the province a multi-million pound boost.

Drugs Squad chief Detective Superintendent Judith Gillespie has been
supporting the plan for a confiscated assets fund at top-level meetings with
the Northern Ireland Office.

At present, assets seized from convicted dealers - and other criminals -
under the Proceeds of Crime Act are sent to the Treasury.

A Northern Ireland Office spokesperson said: "The idea is under active
consideration."