HC Deb 07 July 1999 vol 334 cc550-1W
Mr. Beith

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer for the latest period for which information is available, how many drug trafficking groups which deal primarily in Class A drugs were disrupted or dismantled by enforcement agencies; and if he will make a statement. [87445]

Dawn Primarolo

The latest figures from HM Customs and Excise show that 131 and 104 drug trafficking groups were disrupted or dismantled in 1997x2013;98 and 1996–97 respectively. These do not identify Class A drugs separately.

From the year 2000, all relevant agencies will be required to collect information showing the number of drug trafficking groups disrupted or dismantled each year, and will identify Class A drugs separately.