“Relentless efforts” lead to results against organised crime: Long

Date published: 20 July 2026

The Minister has today published the OCTF’s Annual Report for 2024/25. It outlines the work of criminal justice agencies in tackling organised crime and sets out the latest threat assessment and operational response across key crime types. 

The Minister said: “This past year has again presented significant challenges for Northern Ireland, not least continuing financial pressures and demands on public services. Despite this, my commitment to making Northern Ireland a safer place, with less crime and fewer victims, remains unwavering.

“The work of disrupting Organised Crime Groups (OCGs), pursuing offenders, and bringing them to justice remains both complex and demanding. As the nature of the threat evolves, policing and law enforcement partners continue to show adaptability and innovation, embracing new technologies and responding effectively to both established and emerging threats.

“I am deeply grateful to all the agencies involved for delivering another strong year of results, and for their relentless efforts to target those who profit from harm, exploitation, and fear in our communities.”

The 68-page report outlines the efforts of OCTF partners to thwart drugs, counterfeit goods, offensive weapons and cybercrime across Northern Ireland. 

During 2024/25:

• 651 potential victims of modern slavery and human trafficking were referred to the National Referral Mechanism – a UK framework to identify and support victims
• 146 arrests by PSNI related to organised crime groups
• 6,951 drug seizures were made by PSNI
• 3,128 drug related arrests
• 228 restraint orders, cash seizures, lifted assets and account freezing orders were made 
• Cocaine was the most seized Class A drug in Northern Ireland 

Organised crime groups in Northern Ireland continue to play a major role in the supply of illicit drugs, with OCTF partners seizing over £26.5 million worth of Class A and Class B substances this year, reflecting both the scale of the threat and the effectiveness of coordinated enforcement efforts. 

Minister Long said: “It is assessed that 75% of organised crime groups are involved in the supply of drugs, so police alone seizing drugs with an estimated street value of £21m – and Border Force and National Crime Agency involved in further seizures - is a significant blow to these groups.

“The excellent work and persistence in pursuing criminals who set out to exploit, threaten and spread misery across communities should not be underestimated, but everybody’s help is needed to combat organised crime.

“It remains vital that the strong collaborative work of the OCTF continues to counter these threats, as organised crime continues to harm communities.

“Alongside enforcement, public awareness and support are essential to effectively disrupt these networks and reduce their impact across Northern Ireland. By reporting suspicious or criminal activity, individuals can make a meaningful contribution to protecting their communities. By working together for fairness, justice and safety, we can all play our part in challenging organised crime at every level and building safer communities where people respect the law and each other.”