Taxing dealers would make drugs less lucrative, say police chiefs

Officers want to adopt a scheme, used in 16 American states, where dealers anonymously buy pre-paid tax stamps.

If the stamps are not displayed on drugs and they are seized, it could trigger an immediate tax demand.

The Association of Chief Police Officers says it is not condoning drug dealing, but the move would allow the seizure of assets before a conviction.

The scheme would also raise millions of pounds a year in Greater Manchester alone, the association will hear at its drugs conference in the city on Tuesday.

It would generate funds for the fight against crime and would make drug dealing "less economically attractive".

The call follows the introduction of the Proceeds of Crime Act last year, enabling police and customs officers to seize the assets of criminals, including drug dealers.