Scotland’s top criminals have seen 15 of their number convicted of offences over the last 12 months, and more than 150 kilos of drugs seized, according to figures released by the Government today.

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill welcomed the news, and warned serious and organised criminals that agencies like the eight police forces, the Crown Office and the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency were developing new methods of joint working to achieve even better results.

MacAskill said he was especially pleased by figures showing that over £321m has been seized from criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act since 2003.

Speaking in advance of the third meeting of the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce, Mr MacAskill said:

“Tackling serious organised crime is a priority for this Government. We are committed to supporting the police and other law enforcement agencies in responding to the threat to our communities posed by these criminal gangs. The recent successful operations to put these gangsters out of business and off our streets are a demonstration of the commitment, dedication and hard work of all the crime-fighting agencies.

“The Scottish Government established the Taskforce to show our commitment to put these criminal networks out of business. We now want to build on these successes to work together to ramp up the fight against these parasites who live off the backs of our law abiding citizens. Plans for the police and other agencies to pilot  joint operations will help identify best practice for future such operations against these criminal gangs.”

The Tories welcomed the news, but said that further action is needed. Conservative justice spokesman Bill Aitken said:

“We need to get real and launch a fresh offensive against those who deal in death and human misery. Whilst the Crown Office and SCDEA can claim a measure of success in seizing assets under the proceeds of crime legislation, this needs to be toughened up considerably.  We should copy what has happened elsewhere in the world, particularly Ireland.  

“Those convicted of drug dealing and who live in large houses, have overseas properties and drive top of the range cars should have to demonstrate that the money by which they have funded this lifestyle was not obtained as a result of their criminality.  If they cannot do so then their assets should be forfeited. The onus should be on them to prove that their assets were not obtained illegally, not on the Crown to prove that they were.”