Commentary on Sections Part 1: Provisions for Combatting Crime and Disorder. Travel restrictions on drug trafficking offenders
98.In April 1998, the Government published its 10-Year strategy for tackling drug misuse, “Tackling Drugs to Build a Better Britain” (This was published by Home Office Communication Directorate and is available on the Home Office website at http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk.). One aim of the strategy is to reduce the availability of illegal drugs on the streets. The Act gives the courts the power to impose overseas travel banning orders on drug traffickers convicted of certain "trigger" offences, identified by virtue of a direct relationship with overseas travel and subject to a sentencing threshold of four years to distinguish serious cases. The courts are also given the power to confiscate the passports of British nationals for the period of the ban. These powers will contribute to the National Drugs Strategy by making it more difficult for convicted drug traffickers to travel overseas and thereby help to prevent and disrupt drug trafficking.