Cathy Jamieson said the new body would help tackle organised crime

Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson said Mr Blunkett's proposals would improve co-operation in the fight against organised crime.

She said Scotland would forge close links with the new body.

The Serious and Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) will target criminal gangs and "the scourge" of organised crime.

The plans outlined by Mr Blunkett included a national witness protection scheme.

Ms Jamieson said there was a good track record of agencies working together effectively in Scotland.

Legal systems

She said: "The police and law enforcement agencies across the UK are already co-operating successfully to tackle crime while reflecting the different legal systems north and south of the border.

"Building on that, Scottish ministers are committed to forging a very close working relationship with the new agency as its new structure takes shape."

The minister also said it was vital to tackle crime and terrorism at European level.

Ms Jamieson, who will fly to Brussels on Tuesday to discuss a Europe-wide approach to terrorism, said improvements were already taking place.

The SOCA is to target drug trafficking

These included the new European arrest warrant introduced in Britain in January and improved extradition procedures, she said.

"These are the kinds of practical measures we need to take in protecting communities in Scotland, in the UK, in Europe, and across the world - an approach based around distinct legal systems, mutual recognition of them, delivering a united front against crime and terror."

The white paper, which lays the foundations for future legislation, is entitled One Step Ahead: A 21st Century Strategy to Defeat Organised Criminals.

SOCA will be an elite new law enforcement agency with about 5,000 investigators specialising in drug trafficking, people smuggling and fraud cases.