VIDEO-LINK AID IN DRUG FIGHT

FOREIGN witnesses could give evidence in British trials by video link under
plans to be discussed by European justice ministers today.

International video links are expected to become more common in the fight to
break up drug gangs that operate across Europe.

An operation targeting one gang can often make arrests in several countries
and international video links are seen as a solution to the potential
problems. Criminals held abroad could give evidence by video link to help to
convict associates arrested here, and inmates of British jails could easily
testify in foreign courts.

At present, agreements to set up video links between countries have to be
negotiated for each case but ministers including Jack Straw, the Home
Secretary, meeting in Brussels for a Justice and Home Affairs Council will
try to set up an EU-wide agreement.

Checked-by: "Rolf Ernst"