HM Treasury News Release
137/97                                       7 November 1997
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  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 : 0171 865 5468/5471.