HC Deb 05 February 1985 vol 72 c475W
Sir Dudley Smith

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the liaison of British police forces with Interpol in the fight to combat crimes involving narcotics, is proving effective.

Mr. Giles Shaw

International police co-operation through Interpol is one means whereby the United Kingdom is tackling international traffic in illicit drugs. I understand that co-operation through Interpol has led to an increased number of arrests and of seizures of illicit drugs and we are satisfied that it provides a valuable source of assistance to the police. The international problem cannot be tackled by the police through Interpol alone: the Government's strategy involves activity on a broad front in which Her Majesty's Customs and Excise has a valuable contribution to make in combating illegal importation.