DRUGS AND GUNS ENTERING LONDON THROUGH THE POST

2.40.08pm GMT Thu 18th Mar 2004

Commenting on the news that Customs officers are to test new equipment to scan mailbags arriving in the UK from Jamaica, Liberal Democrat candidate for Mayor of London Simon Hughes MP said:

"Seizures of drugs and firearms are an almost daily occurrence in London. What we do not know is what quantity of drugs and guns are getting through undetected, and whether the postal system is becoming a dangerous chink in our defences. We must step up the checks on mail entering the country through London's sorting offices.

"While better controls will surely deter drug importers from using the postal system, long term success will only come from better joint working with the police and intelligence agencies in the countries of origin."

Ends

Notes to editors

In a letter from John Healey MP, Treasury Minister for Customs and Excise, to Simon Hughes MP, dated 10th December 2003, the following information was provided:

Seizures from international mail arriving in London

Year Number of drug seizures1 Number of seizures of firearms and other offensive weapons2

2002-03 514 90

2001-02 576 75

2000-01 546 63

1 'Drug seizures' cover seizures of heroin, cocaine and cannabis

2 Covers firearms and ammunition, gas canisters, stun weapons and other offensive weapons.