Police forces working in partnership can provide an effective response to the threats of international terrorism and organised crime, Security Minister Paul Goggins said today.

Mr Goggins was speaking at the International Policing Conference being held at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast, where he said that police forces across the world would face common problems and it is only through effective co-operation that those challenges can be met.

He said: “International terrorism and organised crime are huge challenges facing all of us. They must be at the forefront of all policing services around the world.

“The evidence shows that organised criminals are increasingly sophisticated, operating across borders and continents. Counterfeit goods from across the world are sold at markets throughout Northern Ireland. The expansion of Europe has increased the threat of human trafficking and identity fraud increases as criminals use the internet to target victims.

“We therefore need an international response to an international problem. I believe that the challenge can only be met through effective co-operation locally, nationally and internationally. It also requires working in partnership and at every level – within communities, across governments and between law enforcement agencies.”

(EF/KMcA)