Mr. John David Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what quantities of drugs have been seized by the authorities in each of the past five years.
§ Mr. ScottThe available information is set out below. Detailed records were not kept before 1982.
653W
Item 1985 1984 1983 1982 Diamorphine 8.9 grams 0.24 milligrams (trace) — 2 grams Methadone Solid 591 tablets — 2 tablets 31 tablets Liquid 375 millilitres 20 millilitres — — Cocaine 6 grams 5.1 grams 2 grams 3.75 grams Amphetamine Solid — 40 tablets — 81 tablets Liquid 50 grams 10.842 grams 890 grams 3.13 grams Methylphenidate — — 101 tablets — Barbiturates 307 tablets — — — Dextromoramide — — 24 tablets — Mephentermine — .076 milligrams (trace) — — Methaqualone 60 tablets — — 4 tablets Dimotane — — — 500 millilitres
Mr. John David Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many officers of the Royal Ulster Constabulary are involved in the detection of misuse of drugs.
§ Mr. ScottThere are currently 26 officers full-time in the Royal Ulster Constabulary drugs squad with a further nine officers on temporary attachment.
Mr. John David Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland with which police forces in Europe the Royal Ulster Constabulary have the facility of direct contact in co-operation to detect illegal drugs.
§ Mr. ScottThe Royal Ulster Constabulary has established effective contact with most police forces in Europe through Interpol and the National Drugs Intelligence Unit at New Scotland Yard.
Mr. John David Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of the extent of involvement of paramilitary organisations in the misuse of drugs and drug trading; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Scott[pursuant to his reply, 18 July 1986]: While a number of persons who may have paramilitary links have been prosecuted for drugs offences, there is no evidence at present that paramilitary groupings are involved on an organised basis.