Pubdate: Sat, 20 Dec 2003
Source: Bath Chronicle, The (UK)
Copyright: 2003 The Bath Chronicle.
Contact:  http://www.thisisbath.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2700
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POLICE CONFISCATE UKP600,000 IN DRUG MONEY OVERYEAR

A Specialist police unit says it is tearing the heart out of drug 
trafficking in Avon and Somerset. The Avon and Somerset Constabulary's 
Financial Investigation Unit (FIU) has been expanded so that it is now able 
to devote more time to target those who launder the proceeds of crime.

During the past 12 months, it has made more than 40 arrests for money 
laundering relating to drug dealing, and confiscated almost UKP600,000, 
compared with UKP100,000 last year.

One detective and two police staff have joined the FIU to specifically work 
on Moneyspinner, the operation to tackle money laundering.

The Avon and Somerset Police Authority says the success of the expanded 
unit underlines the need for it to maximise the amounts of council tax it 
levies each year to provide much-needed improvements.

The extra staff were among hundreds of additional police officers and staff 
taken on recently by the force.

A total of 196 additional police officers are being recruited by the force 
in the current financial year - part of a 360-strong package of additional 
staff and officers both to work in police districts and on special 
operations, including the anti-drugs Atrium, the anti-porn Ricochet and 
Moneyspinner.

Det Insp Richard Budd said: "The additional cash has helped us not only 
arrest those dealing with drugs and laundering money, but also to become 
involved in follow-up work and recover the assets derived from these 
illegal activities.

"This sends out a strong message that crime doesn't pay."
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager