New powers to seize the profits of criminals have been welcomed by Scottish Justice Minister Jim Wallace.

The Proceeds of Crime Act allows police forces and the courts to confiscate illegal profits made by criminals and drug dealers.

Officers will be bolstered by greater rights to seize suspected cash and other assets.

Mr Wallace described the move as "a major step forward" in the fight to frustrate and undermine criminal elements operating north of the border.

He said the act strengthens the powers of confiscation following conviction and removes the distinction between different crimes.

Jim Wallace: "A major step forward"

He said: "This is a major step forward in the battle against drug dealers and other crime barons.

"Too often in the past they have been able to hold on to, and enjoy, the money they have made through crime."

The new legislation targets money laundering activities and imposes tougher disclosure requirements on third parties, such as financial institutions.

It also permits courts to seize illegal gains, even where a conviction is not possible.

"Civil recovery is a major new weapon in our armoury," Mr Wallace said.

'Major target'

"At present too many criminals have been able to organise the criminal activity of others and profit from the results, but remain remote enough from the crime committed to make prosecution difficult or impossible.

"We will now be able to go after the assets of such people who too often enjoy a lavish lifestyle on the back of the misery of others."

The Scottish Executive said its plans to help the drive to seize criminal profits were already under way.

Mr Wallace said: "A major target will be drug dealers and other criminals in our local communities who bring such misery to many in these communities.