Government minister George Howarth promised that cash seized in raids on dealers could soon be ploughed back into the fight against drugs.

Mr Howarth, Under Secretary of State for Home Affairs, made the pledge on a visit to Clacton Police Station.

The minister, who has particular responsibility for the fight against drugs, said the Government was looking at ways of reallocating the cash recovered in connection with arrests and the proceeds of drug dealing.

"I am not able to say it is something which will happen next week or next month but we are looking at it very carefully," he said.

"The police are doing an excellent job and we are investigating how the assets seized can be more effectively used to assist in that."

Det Chief Insp Mark Shields, head of Tendring CID, said he was encouraged by what he had heard.

He said it was vital more money was pumped into the battle to clamp down on dealers and traffickers and rehabilitating users.

"Mr Howarth was supportive about what we are doing but it is crucial the money is recycled into the fight against drugs," he said.

Mr Shields said in the Tendring division there had been a considerable success with operations against dealers in the last year or so.

Arrests are up more than 100 per cent and he vowed that did not mean police would become complacent.

He added: "Dealers should be warned we will continue our fight against them."

Mr Shields said he was pleased the minister had been to see how the whole community in Tendring was working together to tackle the issue.

Mr Howarth was also given a briefing on the work being carried out by the Tendring Drugs Reference Group.

The group includes members from Tendring Council, the police, probation, advice and treatment services, schools and further education, the youth service and voluntary sector.

Cynthia Hursey, senior youth worker for Tendring, said a great deal of effort was being made to get the message across to youngsters over drugs and alcohol.

The visit yesterday was organised by Harwich MP Ivan Henderson and he accompanied the minister to the station.

"I was impressed by the emphasis placed on tackling drugs and drug-related crime when I went on patrol with Clacton Police," he said.

"There is also excellent work being done by the Tendring Drug Reference Group and I was keen for the minister to see what is being done for himself."

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