Long: By working together we can stop crime groups exploiting our community

Long: By working together we can stop crime groups exploiting our community

In one recent example a Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) shipment was used to conceal illegal drugs.

During 2019/2020 OCTF operations have: recovered approximately £2.2 million under Confiscation Orders; helped rescue 111 potential victims of modern slavery; recorded 8,177 drug seizure incidents and 250 successful interventions such as searches, arrests and seizures have resulted in frustrating, disrupting or dismantling organised crime groups. 5.7 million cigarettes, 65,000 litres of alcohol and over 2,000 items of counterfeit goods were prevented from entering Northern Ireland.

The Minister said: “The fact that criminals would stoop so low as to exploit the circumstances created by a pandemic shows they care about nothing other than lining their own pockets. PPE is an essential part of keeping people safe from the virus so to use shipments of it to conceal drugs is beyond reprehensible.  But as this latest report shows OCGs will exploit vulnerabilities wherever they find them.

 “I would like to thank each and every one of the OCTF partner organisations for their contribution to the work of the Task Force. Now in its twentieth year, the OCTF continues to demonstrate that working together with a common purpose is the best way to deliver results.  This report highlights how a shared strategic response to the threat posed by organised crime groups in Northern Ireland makes a tangible difference to individuals and their families, communities and businesses.

“It is critical that we strive to make organised crime unprofitable and to bring criminals to justice. Next year, new legislation will be introduced to enhance powers for law enforcement agencies here, bringing Northern Ireland into line with the rest of the UK.  Unexplained Wealth Orders, account freezing and forfeiture powers, and the ability to seize criminal assets are just three of the additional measures that will be available to strengthen collective efforts to tackle organised crime.  In addition work will continue on proposals for new organised crime offences.

“While there are elements of EU Exit that remain unclear, it is essential that we understand the evolving risks and threats of serious and organised crime. The operational work to prepare as far as possible is happening across relevant agencies. The OC Taskforce (and its reporting structures) is a space to ensure agencies are collectively, as well as individually, alive to emerging threats and taking any action necessary to manage and mitigate the threat.

“We all need to continue to embed a culture of lawfulness and to challenge any perceived legitimacy around organised crime.  Buying counterfeit goods, cigarettes, or alcohol, funds criminal groups who are engaged in exploiting young people in our communities, in drug trafficking, and in the trafficking and exploitation of people. 

“We all need to work together to prevent criminals profiting from their illegal activities, and to bring to justice those who continue to wreak havoc across local communities. 

“As Justice Minister I will continue to do all I can to support the OCTF partners so that we can all live in a safer Northern Ireland where we respect the law and each other.”      

Crime Department Assistant Chief Constable Barbara Gray, PSNI, said : “Organised Crime Gangs exploit people and often focus on some of the most vulnerable people living in our communities.  They cause harm and fear for their own selfish gains. Their criminality knows no bounds as has been witnessed during the Covid-19 pandemic when they have continued to make money regardless of the pressures on the lives of others. The Organised Crime Task Force is committed to disrupting and frustrating the criminal gangs involved. This year’s Annual Report recognises the contribution and significant successes of the law enforcement agencies over the past 12 months including the seizure of  illegal drugs, rescuing victims of human trafficking, and seizing counterfeit goods.”

Notes to editors: 

1.  If you would like a copy of the embargoed Organised Crime Taskforce annual report please email press.office@justice-ni.gsi.gov.uk

2.  The annual report and threat assessment 2019-20 will be available at the publication section of this website on the DoJ website 

3.  The OCTF was established in 2000 and works to reduce the harm caused by organised crime, through multi agency partnership and to secure a safe community in Northern Ireland, where we respect the law and each other.

4.  OCTF provides an essential strategic leadership forum for tackling organised crime in Northern Ireland.

5. Key partners include: Department of Justice, Police Service of Northern Ireland, Public Prosecution Service, Immigration Enforcement, Border Force, National Crime Agency, Her Majesty's Revenue & Customs, An Garda Síochána, Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Unit, NI Environment Agency and Trading Standards.

6. More information about the work of the OCTF can be found at www.octf.gov.uk

7. Media enquiries should be directed to the Department of Justice Press Office via email at: press.office@justice-ni.gsi.gov.uk 

8.  The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours’ service for media enquiries between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted out of hours on 028 9037 8110.

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