Scotland's Chief Statistician today published 'Drug Seizures by Scottish Police Forces, 2005/2006 and 2006/2007', and on-line publication detailing the number and volume of drug seizures made by police forces in Scotland.

Among its main findings is confirmation that the total number of drug seizures in Scotland in 2006/07 saw a decrease of 17 per cent compared with the previous cycle, down almost 5000 from 25,314 to 20,938.

Justice Minister Kenny MacAskill said that drugs and the gangsters who peddle them continue to be a scourge on communities. "That is why this Government set up the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and is determined to work with our eight police forces, the SCDEA, the Crown Office and other agencies to tackle this menace," he said.

"Tackling the drugs supply chain is only one part of a wide-ranging approach by the forces of law and order to make life difficult for the dealers. The Scottish Police Service is working with national and international agencies to stem the flow of drugs into the country."