HISTORIC PRESS RELEASE : Primarolo praises UK role in worldwide fight against drugs [November 1997]

The press release issued by HM Treasury on 7 November 1997.

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.”