Money seized from drug dealers will be donated to charities across Merseyside

Money confiscated from drug dealers will be donated to support charities across Merseyside.

The decision was taken by judges at Liverpool Crown Court in the hope that some of the funds from illicit activities can be used to aid community projects and good causes.

Each year, police officers seize thousands of pounds from criminals, which are traditionally subject to forfeiture. The funds are then redirected back to the Home Office.

Although large sums are subject to Proceeds of Crime Act investigations, smaller amounts of money forfeited under Section 27 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 can be used to improve communities impacted by the effects of drugs.

Going to a good cause

To be in the running for a donation, the organisation must be a registered charity that is not connected to any judge.

They must also be based in the area covered by Liverpool Combined Court Centre and in some way connected to the work of Queen Elizabeth II Law Courts at Derby Square.

The first charity to benefit from the new scheme is KnifeSavers, a not-for-profit which aims to educate people on how to treat life threatening knife injuries.

Leading the new initiative on behalf of Liverpool’s judiciary, Judge David Swinnerton said: “When we order that cash is forfeit under section 27 of the Misuse of Drugs Act and there is no dispute, we are going to order that the cash be paid to a charity.

“Money forfeit under this section is the smaller amounts of cash found in the pockets or homes of drug dealers when first searched. The much larger profits of drug dealers are dealt with under different legislation.

“We anticipate that while each order may be for a relatively small amount, when added together the total will be significant.”

Where to go for legal drug testing

AlphaBiolabs works with family law professionals and social workers across the UK, providing first-class legal drug testing services.

We also offer a price match guarantee, matching any price provided by another testing laboratory with a further 5% off. And for every legal instruction we receive throughout 2022, we will be donating £5 to four charities as part of our Giving Back campaign.

Our Liverpool walk-in centre is based on Dale Street, offering drug testing solutions for legal purposes or peace of mind for members of the public. 

To learn more, call our Customer Services team on 0333 600 1300 or email testing@alphabiolabs.com.