To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people the Serious Organised Crime Agency employs; and what proportion are engaged in counter-narcotics activities. (232891)

The number of full-time equivalent staff employed by SOCA at 30 September 2008 was 3,976.

For 2008-09 the SOCA Board has determined that SOCA should aim to apportion about 43 per cent. of its effort to tackling drug trafficking. As of 30 September 2008 the year to date figure exceeded 46 per cent. In addition, other activities undertaken by SOCA, such as work to tackle criminal finances and support given to partners, are helping to tackle this trade.