HC Deb 18 January 1984 vol 52 cc235-6W
Mr. Freeson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many kilos of heroin have been seized in each of the last five years; and what percentage of this was seized at Heathrow in each case.

Mr. Mellor

Information on the total amount of heroin seized in the United Kingdom, but both Her Majesty's Customs and Excise and the police, in the years up to 1982 is given in table 2 of "Statistics of the misuse of drugs, United Kingdom, 1982", Home Office statistical bulletin issue 13/83, a copy of which has been placed in the Library of the House. The proportion of heroin seized at Heathrow is available only for seizures by Her Majesty's Customs and Excise and is as follows:

Year Percentage
1979 70
1980 85
1981 64
1982 *60
1983 68
* Provisional.

Mr. Freeson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many officers are involved on special investigations into the trading of heroin; and how this figure compares with each of the last five years.

Mr. Hurd

I understand from chief officers of police that there is no specialisation within forces in respect of offences involving heroin.