MERSEYSIDE IS 'DRUGS CAPITAL'

MERSEYSIDE has become the drugs distribution capital of Britain,
according to a leaked police document.

The report, written by Norman Bettison, Chief Constable of Merseyside,
to local MPs, states that Merseyside is unique in terms of the scale,
extent and depth of organised crime. An extensive number of
"nationally-graded" criminals enjoying "unexplained wealth".

Mr Bettison says 60 per cent of drugs in Scotland are routed through
Merseyside. Fifty per cent of Customs and Excise seizures have links
to Merseyside which has also become a leading centre for trafficking
tobacco and illegal immigrants.

The report states that underworld turf wars are on the increase, with
the number of shootings rising from 15 in 1998 to 57 last year.
Merseyside Police spends more than UKP20 million per year in the fight
against organised crime and Mr Bettison gives a warning that other
police services are under threat due to the growing problem.

The force released a statement which said the highly-confidential
briefing paper was sent to MPs as part of the ongoing debate into
police funding on Merseyside.

It said: "Merseyside Police recognises the scale of serious crime on
Merseyside but is committed to using the resources available,
including highly-skilled and experienced officers, to tackle this issue."