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| Merseyside is UK 'drugs capital' Merseyside has become the drugs distribution capital of Britain, according to a police document leaked on Thursday. The report, written by Merseyside Police chief Norman Bettison to local MPs, states that Merseyside is the main distribution centre for drugs in the UK. He writes that the county is unique in terms of the scale, extent and depth of organised crime, with an extensive number of "nationally graded" criminals enjoying "unexplained wealth". Mr Bettison also states that 60% of drugs in Scotland are routed through Merseyside and that there are proven routes to other parts of the UK. He adds that 50% of Customs and Excise seizures have links to Merseyside, which has also become a leading centre for trafficking tobacco and illegal immigrants. The report reveals that underworld turf wars are on the increase, with the number of shootings rising from 15 in 1998 to 57 last year. The force already spends more than £20m a year in the fight against organised crime and Mr Bettison warns that other police services are under threat due to the growing problem. Highly confidential Merseyside Police released a statement claiming the highly confidential briefing paper was sent to MPs as part of the ongoing debate into police funding on Merseyside. It said: "In the letter, Mr Bettison aimed to address any concerns the MPs may have had about the unique pressures we face on Merseyside with organised and serious crime. Throughout the letter Mr Bettison emphasised the confidentiality of its contents. "Merseyside Police recognises the scale of serious crime on Merseyside but is committed to using the resources available - including highly skilled and experienced officers - to tackle this issue. "Significant steps have been taken to disrupt organised crime alongside partner agencies such as the National Crime Squad and National Criminal Intelligence Service." 18th January 2002 |
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