STATE GETS $1.9M DRUG CASH

The State Government has seized more than $1.9 million from drug
traffickers and manufacturers in the past 12 months, compared with
$179,000 in the previous 10 years.

The increase has occurred since the toughening of laws to allow the
confiscation of assets.

The director of the Attorney-General's policy division in the Justice
Department, Ms Angela Cannon, told a parliamentary committee yesterday
the increase was staggering.

Ms Cannon said the courts had recently approved a further $1.5 million
to be seized but money was still to be recovered. Under the
Confiscation of Profits Act, the courts can order the seizure of
profits or assets, such as a house used for making drugs.

Asked if the confiscated money was earmarked for use in drug-related
programs, Ms Cannon said the money went into consolidated revenue, but
the department would consider other options.

The drugs and crime prevention committee also heard yesterday that the
Government next week would call for tenders to supply laptop computers
to all police cars, ambulances and fire engines. The computers will
be used to provide instant information on criminal histories, such as
drug or firearm records, and to cur down paperwork for emergency services.

Checked-by: Rich O'Grady