§ 7. Mr. Harveyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures he proposes to take to seek to reduce the incidence of crime connected with (a) heroin and (b) cocaine.
§ Mr. MellorThe ministerial group which I chair will continue to give the highest priority to reducing drug-related crime. Since the group was set up in 1984, police and customs drug enforcement resources have been substantially increased and their intelligence capability improved. We shall ensure that these resources are used to best effect and monitor the use of new powers conferred by the Drug Trafficking Offences Act 1986 to trace, freeze and confiscate the assets of traffickers. This year we shall further develop our anti-drug education and information campaign, launch a £2 million scheme for drug-related teacher training, and continue the expansion of treatment services.
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§ Mr. Conwayasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the establishment of drugs wings in the regional crime squads.
§ Mr. MellorFourteen dedicated drugs wings have already been added to regional crime squads in England and Wales, and three more will be in operation by April 1987. Two hundred and twenty one additional police officers have been provided to man the drugs wings. whose task is to concentrate on catching major drug traffickers. In London, the Metropolitan police central drug squad fulfils a similar role, and it has been provided with 37 additional officers. These measures represent a major strengthening of the police effort against drug traffickers.