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7 November 1997
PRIMAROLO PRAISES UK ROLE IN WORLDWIDE FIGHT AGAINST DRUGS
The UK is leading the world in its fight against drug smuggling, Financial Secretary Dawn Primarolo said today during a visit to the Czech customs headquarters in Prague.
Ms Primarolo said:
"HM Customs and Excise staff play a crucial role in the world-wide fight against drug smuggling, placing the UK at the forefront of the battle. Help is provided on a practical level to law enforcement agencies throughout the world as the UK is widely recognised to be highly skilled and effective at smashing drug smuggling organisations."
Ms Primarolo praised the work of UK Customs & Excise International Assistance (IA) officers working operationally alongside their national counterparts in providing expertise and on-the-ground assistance to improve international cooperation and increased intelligence flows. Officers also provide support with the customs and indirect tax fields worldwide, helping with the implementation of legislation and resources to help drug source and transit countries.
"During training provided by UK Customs, Czech authorities seized over 12 kilos of heroin and 7.25 tonnes of herbal cannabis. I am delighted at the level of cooperation which has been established."
NOTES TO EDITORS
HM Customs and Excise signed a bilateral agreement with Czech Customs in 1995 to provide a framework for, and increase the cooperation between the two countries in tackling drugs. This encourages the exchange of information between the two authorities on a daily basis and has resulted in a number of training events at Czech border crossings.
2. Training events organised by UK Customs and funded by the Home Office saw the seizure of over 12 kilos of heroin and 7.25 tonnes of herbal cannabis. From time to time heroin destined for the UK passes through the Czech Republic in transit, which is why the UK Customs is delighted at the level of cooperation.
3. Further details concerning HM Customs and Excise International Assistance can be obtained from HM Customs and Excise, Public Relations Office : 0207 865 5468/5471.