Pubdate: 23 June 1999 Source: Scotsman (UK) Copyright: The Scotsman Publications Ltd 1999 Contact: http://www.scotsman.com/ Forum: http://www.scotsman.com/ Author: Lesley Kinney WE NEED TO KEEP AHEAD OF THE DEALERS, SAYS MINISTER Police chiefs and drug prevention agencies need to become more sophisticated than the criminals if they are to win the battle against drugs, Scotland's deputy justice minister said yesterday. Angus MacKay said clever and manipulative drug dealers need to be taken on and beaten at their own game. Speaking at a major drugs conference for young people in Glasgow, Mr MacKay revealed details of the new Scottish Drug Enforcement Agency. The body will use the latest surveillance equipment to beat the drug dealers. The agency will also have to power to take tough action against the dealers and to tackle the problem of drugs in Scottish prisons. Mr MacKay said that more specially trained police officers were essential to keep ahead of the dealers. The MSP revealed his strategy at the largest ever education-led drugs event, "Choices For Life", which was attended by 12,000 children at the SECC in Glasgow. Mr McKay said: "We are going where we want to at the moment because we now recognise that these criminals are extremely sophisticated. They are always finding new ways of buying, selling and concealing drugs from the eyes of the police." Mr McKay, who will oversee the setting up of Scottish Drug Enforcement Agency later this year, added: "We need to become more sophisticated, more clever and we need to look at a whole range of methods to curb the problem." Mr McKay, who was joined by Strathclyde Police Chief Constable John Orr and comedian Fred MacAuley, also conceded that more officers are essential for the new approach. "The more officers forces have the better because it all helps with the fight. We also need the best possible equipment and trained officers." Mr McKay, who refused to reveal how much money would be ploughed into the initiative, said the bill would be met by the Scottish Office. Mr Orr, who met teachers and parents during the all-day event, said he was delighted at these latest steps to curb the problem. He said: "I am very heartened that the government intend to set up an agency. "The Association of Chief Police Officers Scotland will do all they can to help in this work. This and events like this really help us with the problems. I am delighted to be able to speak to these children because ten years ago we couldn't have." - --- MAP posted-by: Derek Rea