LAUNCH OF SCOTTISH DRUG ENFORCEMENT AGENCY

THE WAR against drugs took a significant step forward yesterday with the
official unveiling of the Scottish Drug Enforcement Agency.

For the first time Scotland will have an intelligence-centred organisation
dedi-cated to targeting drug crime.

Early in the new year the first of 200 officers will be recruited to staff
the drug busting agency which will cost UKP 35 million a year to run.

The role of the SDEA will be to tackle the drugs menace on every front in a
sustained and co-ordinated operation against those who pedal misery.

The agency will reduce the availability of drugs in Scotland, target and
smash organised drug crime, and arrest drug suppliers and traffickers.

"This will ensure a holistic approach to drug enforcement, from helping stem
supplies coming into Scotland to smashing organised drug rings at street
level."

Its officers will also assist Scottish police forces in the detection of
drug-related crime, maximise the use of intelligence on drugs and other
organised crime and enhance and co-ordinate police involvement in wider drug
policies.

Deputy justice minister Angus MacKay pledged that the new agency will
"smash" organised drug rings.

"The creation of the SDEA means drug enforcement will be co-ordinated in an
unprecedented fashion, with dedicated resources and dedicated officers," he
said.

"The SDEA will promote a structured approach to drug enforcement through a
single intelligence base and through close co-operation with the National
Criminal Intelligence Service and Customs and Excise.

"This will ensure a holistic approach to drug enforcement, from helping stem
supplies coming into Scotland to smashing organised drug rings at street
level."

The work of mapping out the SDEA's strategy and tactics will begin in
February.

A special drugs co-ordinator will be appointed to whose job to ensure the
work of the SDEA and Scottish police forces fits in with wider drugs
policies.

"The SDEA gives us the opportunity to beat the big-time criminals," said Mr
MacKay.

"It will save lives, cut crime and give communities the opportunity to be
free from the menace of drugs."

The creation of a SDEA was welcomed by the Scottish Tories last night but
said it had to be backed by tough penalties.

"All drug dealers must be harshly dealt with," said justice spokesman Phil
Gallie.

"Second, anyone found guilty of dealing in drugs should have the assets
derived from their vile trade confiscated without hesitation.

"Furthermore, the Executive must give a categorical guarantee that the SDEA
will not lead to yet further reductions in frontline police officers."