Union fears customs move

Catching drug smugglers is a priority for the service

Customs officers in Scotland will be left "scuppered" if their control room is shut and moved to England.

The warning came from a union official in response to reports that the centre in Paisley is under threat of closure.

William Johnstone said: "The concern is about us being able to react to potential problems in the drugs area - and not only in that particular area but also with tobacco smuggling.

"This will scupper us, our organisation will be left toothless."

William Johnston: "Customs left toothless"

He complained that staff numbers had already been reduced and a further cut would only serve to make the job much harder.

The move would affect dozens of staff at the collection and co-ordination unit (CCU) which gathers intelligence and monitors officers on operations.

If the plan becomes reality it will leave only two enforcement officers for the whole of the UK, based in London and Gravesend.

HM Customs and Exercise said on Monday that no decision had been made on the future of the centre.

Job losses

But union officials believe the changes could be implemented within seven months.

They say that ultimately the fight against the drugs trade, smuggling and excise evasion will suffer.

It is thought that the scheme to streamline the service, which employs about 1,000 people in Scotland, will lead to the loss of 50 intelligence posts around the UK.

The ultimate say on any change will be left to the UK Government which is responsible for Customs and Excise services.

The closure plan has been condemned by the Scottish National Party's Roseanna Cunningham who said it was "absolute lunacy".