HC Deb 07 March 1996 vol 273 c339W
18. Mr. Booth

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement about the Customs and Excise Department's drug control policy. [17636]

Mr. Heathcoat-Amory

The reduction of supplies of drugs from abroad is a key part of the Government's strategy for tackling drug misuse, and maintaining the anti-smuggling enforcement effort is a top priority for customs. Customs' drug control policy focuses on:

  • the prevention and detection of illegal importation and exportation of controlled drugs;
  • the investigation of organisations and individuals engaged in international drugs smuggling;
  • the prosecution of drug smugglers; and
  • the identification to the courts for possible forfeiture of any proceeds of drugs smuggling.