18/06/2007
Report reveals human trafficking ‘alarming threat’
Human trafficking in Northern Ireland has become an "alarming threat", the government has today revealed.
Speaking at today’s launch of this year’s Organised Crime Task Force (OCTF) Annual Report and Threat Assessment, Security Minister Paul Goggins MP underlined the government’s commitment to fighting organised crime.
He also highlighted the importance of the growing relationship between law enforcement and the citizens of Northern Ireland.
The OCTF report confirmed crack cocaine and crystal ecstasy dealers were operating on the streets.
Last year more than £22 million worth of drugs were seized, and a further £3m of fake goods were seized. £37m worth of assets and more than seven million cigarettes were also seized or recovered.
Migrants are also being exploited and are viewed as easy prey for criminals.
Mr Goggins, who also chairs the OCTF, said: “At our September meeting we will turn our attention to immigration and human trafficking, issues that have risen in our list of priorities in light of recent evidence about these activities in Northern Ireland.
“Urgent work is in hand to ensure that the OCTF has the appropriate measures in place to deal with this threat.”
The annual report and threat assessment said dissident republicans were behind ‘tiger’ kidnappings, smuggling, robbery, extortion and fuel laundering.
The task force made a seizure of the highly addictive drug crack cocaine in January, which was described as concerning, despite being just 2.5g.
“The seizure is significant as it provides evidence to support the suspicion that there is a viable, if small scale, crack cocaine market in existence in Northern Ireland,” the report said.
Other drugs trends include the emergence of crystal MDMA, a stronger form of Ecstasy, believed to cause more drug-induced seizures and overdoses due to higher purity levels.
(JM/KMcA)
Speaking at today’s launch of this year’s Organised Crime Task Force (OCTF) Annual Report and Threat Assessment, Security Minister Paul Goggins MP underlined the government’s commitment to fighting organised crime.
He also highlighted the importance of the growing relationship between law enforcement and the citizens of Northern Ireland.
The OCTF report confirmed crack cocaine and crystal ecstasy dealers were operating on the streets.
Last year more than £22 million worth of drugs were seized, and a further £3m of fake goods were seized. £37m worth of assets and more than seven million cigarettes were also seized or recovered.
Migrants are also being exploited and are viewed as easy prey for criminals.
Mr Goggins, who also chairs the OCTF, said: “At our September meeting we will turn our attention to immigration and human trafficking, issues that have risen in our list of priorities in light of recent evidence about these activities in Northern Ireland.
“Urgent work is in hand to ensure that the OCTF has the appropriate measures in place to deal with this threat.”
The annual report and threat assessment said dissident republicans were behind ‘tiger’ kidnappings, smuggling, robbery, extortion and fuel laundering.
The task force made a seizure of the highly addictive drug crack cocaine in January, which was described as concerning, despite being just 2.5g.
“The seizure is significant as it provides evidence to support the suspicion that there is a viable, if small scale, crack cocaine market in existence in Northern Ireland,” the report said.
Other drugs trends include the emergence of crystal MDMA, a stronger form of Ecstasy, believed to cause more drug-induced seizures and overdoses due to higher purity levels.
(JM/KMcA)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
07 August 2025
Organised Crime Task Force Report Reveals Positive Figures
Justice Minister Naomi Long has praised work to disrupt organised crime groups after recently published figures indicated 'another year of excellent results'.
Organised Crime Task Force Report Reveals Positive Figures
Justice Minister Naomi Long has praised work to disrupt organised crime groups after recently published figures indicated 'another year of excellent results'.
20 July 2001
NI PRISONS REPORT DOWNTURN IN VIOLENCE
LEVELS of prison violence in Northern Ireland have dramatically dropped this year according to a new prison service annual report. The Northern Ireland Prison Service’s annual report reveals that major disturbances characteristic of previous years, when large groups of paramilitary groups were incarcerated, have decreased significantly.
NI PRISONS REPORT DOWNTURN IN VIOLENCE
LEVELS of prison violence in Northern Ireland have dramatically dropped this year according to a new prison service annual report. The Northern Ireland Prison Service’s annual report reveals that major disturbances characteristic of previous years, when large groups of paramilitary groups were incarcerated, have decreased significantly.
22 March 2022
NI Terrorism Threat Level Reduced
PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne has welcomed the reduction of the Northern Ireland related terrorism threat level. Chief Constable Byrne said: "Today, we welcome the reduction of the threat level from severe to substantial. The independent assessment means the threat has moved from an attack is 'highly likely', to 'likely'.
NI Terrorism Threat Level Reduced
PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne has welcomed the reduction of the Northern Ireland related terrorism threat level. Chief Constable Byrne said: "Today, we welcome the reduction of the threat level from severe to substantial. The independent assessment means the threat has moved from an attack is 'highly likely', to 'likely'.
06 June 2024
Organised Crime And Threat Assessment Report Published
The latest Organised Crime Task Force (OCTF) 2022/23 Annual Report and Threat Assessment has been published by Justice Minister, Naomi Long.
Organised Crime And Threat Assessment Report Published
The latest Organised Crime Task Force (OCTF) 2022/23 Annual Report and Threat Assessment has been published by Justice Minister, Naomi Long.
19 September 2019
Potential For Post-Brexit Spike In Organised Crime
Brexit has the potential to increase levels of smuggling and organised crime in Northern Ireland, a recent report has found. The latest Organised Crime Task Force (OCTF) annual report identified the UK's impending EU exit as an opportunity for a spike in criminal activity due to new tariff laws.
Potential For Post-Brexit Spike In Organised Crime
Brexit has the potential to increase levels of smuggling and organised crime in Northern Ireland, a recent report has found. The latest Organised Crime Task Force (OCTF) annual report identified the UK's impending EU exit as an opportunity for a spike in criminal activity due to new tariff laws.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.