Communities throughout Scotland will benefit through this extra investment in anti-drug measures

Jack McConnell First Minister

Until now, all money seized from criminals has been sent to the Treasury in London.

However, ministers have revealed that 50% of the money confiscated will now remain in Scotland.

The first project to benefit from a major investment is based in Glasgow.

The cash will be used to fund a �250,000 scheme to help tackle drug addiction among the city's homeless.

The Scottish Executive plans to use the money seized to fund a variety of drug treatment schemes and support efforts to cut the amount of drug-related crime.

Major drug dealers will be targeted

First Minister Jack Mr McConnell said: "Drug dealers must learn that crime does not pay and I am determined to see their illegal gains put to better use.

"We are coming down hard on those who peddle drugs in our communities while we must help those who have succumbed to the scourge of drugs to rebuild their lives.

"Communities throughout Scotland will benefit through this extra investment in anti-drug measures."

Labour's plans to crack down on drug dealers' assets proposes the creation of a special agency which would have more stringent powers to tackle money laundering.

Human rights

Criminals would also have to prove in court that they obtained their assets legally.

The plans are expected to be approved in the House of Commons - although Labour backbencher Ian Davidson has warned that the House of Lords may attempt to water down the proposals.

Opponents say the Proceeds of Crime Bill, which was published in October, runs the risk of breaching human rights.