Menu
23/05/2002
New agency tightens grip on organised crime
New plans to clamp down on the network of organised crime in Northern Ireland have been announced today by the Secretary of State Dr John Reid.
The creation of the Assets Recovery Agency, reinforced by the Proceeds of Crime Bill were outlined on Thursday at Hillsborough Castle as part of a government strategy to combat organised crime and “gangsterism” in Northern Ireland.
Speaking at the launch of the Organised Crime Taskforce’s second Threat Assessment and Strategy in Hillsborough today, Dr Reid said: “Our grip is tightening on organised crime and no effort will be spared in the fight against the tyranny of gangsterism in Northern Ireland.
“Under the leadership of Security Minister Jane Kennedy, the Organised Crime Task Force (OCTF) has shown that the most effective way to tackle organised crime is through the co-ordinated, multi-agency approach.
“PSNI and Customs are at the operational cutting edge and their successes in the first full year of the OCTF in dealing telling blows against organised crime in terms of seizures and the disruption and dismantling of criminal gangs is testimony to their great commitment to this task".
The First and Deputy First Ministers of Northern Ireland's power sharing government and representatives from the partner agencies of the task force attended the event on Thursday, which showcased counterfeit goods and money seized by police and Customs and Excise officers.
In March this year Dr Reid appointed American Professor Ronald Goldstock to help tackle Northern Ireland's growing organised crime problem.
Professor Goldstock, who led the fight in New York against the Mafia and whose office indicted Colombian drugs barons, has been tasked with securing cross-community support for action in tackling the problem and will advise Dr Reid on criminality. He will also make recommendations for tackling the problem of organised crime, which Dr Reid called a “scourge” on society.
(AMcE)
The creation of the Assets Recovery Agency, reinforced by the Proceeds of Crime Bill were outlined on Thursday at Hillsborough Castle as part of a government strategy to combat organised crime and “gangsterism” in Northern Ireland.
Speaking at the launch of the Organised Crime Taskforce’s second Threat Assessment and Strategy in Hillsborough today, Dr Reid said: “Our grip is tightening on organised crime and no effort will be spared in the fight against the tyranny of gangsterism in Northern Ireland.
“Under the leadership of Security Minister Jane Kennedy, the Organised Crime Task Force (OCTF) has shown that the most effective way to tackle organised crime is through the co-ordinated, multi-agency approach.
“PSNI and Customs are at the operational cutting edge and their successes in the first full year of the OCTF in dealing telling blows against organised crime in terms of seizures and the disruption and dismantling of criminal gangs is testimony to their great commitment to this task".
The First and Deputy First Ministers of Northern Ireland's power sharing government and representatives from the partner agencies of the task force attended the event on Thursday, which showcased counterfeit goods and money seized by police and Customs and Excise officers.
In March this year Dr Reid appointed American Professor Ronald Goldstock to help tackle Northern Ireland's growing organised crime problem.
Professor Goldstock, who led the fight in New York against the Mafia and whose office indicted Colombian drugs barons, has been tasked with securing cross-community support for action in tackling the problem and will advise Dr Reid on criminality. He will also make recommendations for tackling the problem of organised crime, which Dr Reid called a “scourge” on society.
(AMcE)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
13 June 2003
Paramilitary involvement in crime is 'rife'
A report on organized crime in Northern Ireland has said that paramilitary involvement in local criminal groups is rife, with their activity casting a shadow over the province’s economy.
Paramilitary involvement in crime is 'rife'
A report on organized crime in Northern Ireland has said that paramilitary involvement in local criminal groups is rife, with their activity casting a shadow over the province’s economy.
19 September 2024
NI Lorry Driver Jailed In Connection With £3m Drug Seizure
A 38-year-old man has been jailed in connection with the largest single drug seizure by the PSNI. At Belfast Crown Court, Andrew Stafford pleaded guilty to possession of a Class A drug with intent to supply and possession of a Class B drug with intent to supply.
NI Lorry Driver Jailed In Connection With £3m Drug Seizure
A 38-year-old man has been jailed in connection with the largest single drug seizure by the PSNI. At Belfast Crown Court, Andrew Stafford pleaded guilty to possession of a Class A drug with intent to supply and possession of a Class B drug with intent to supply.
07 February 2023
Weapons And Drugs Seized In Portadown Search Operation
Nine suspected firearms, several Samurai swords, quantities of Class A and B drugs and related paraphernalia, and approximately £6,000 in cash have been seized in a PSNI operation in Portadown.
Weapons And Drugs Seized In Portadown Search Operation
Nine suspected firearms, several Samurai swords, quantities of Class A and B drugs and related paraphernalia, and approximately £6,000 in cash have been seized in a PSNI operation in Portadown.
15 October 2013
Assembly Debates DUP NCA Motion
The Northern Ireland Assembly is debating a DUP motion today addressing the possible impact of not establishing the National Crime Agency (NCA) in Northern Ireland. Dubbed the 'British FBI', the NCA is a national law enforcement agency that operates across the United Kingdom.
Assembly Debates DUP NCA Motion
The Northern Ireland Assembly is debating a DUP motion today addressing the possible impact of not establishing the National Crime Agency (NCA) in Northern Ireland. Dubbed the 'British FBI', the NCA is a national law enforcement agency that operates across the United Kingdom.
23 September 2024
New Rural Crime Awareness Campaign Launched
A new digital awareness campaign to support rural communities across Northern Ireland has been launched by the PSNI and the Rural Crime Partnership group to mark Rural Crime Week NI 2024 – Monday 23rd to Friday 27th September.
New Rural Crime Awareness Campaign Launched
A new digital awareness campaign to support rural communities across Northern Ireland has been launched by the PSNI and the Rural Crime Partnership group to mark Rural Crime Week NI 2024 – Monday 23rd to Friday 27th September.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A very mild, but mostly cloudy day, although with some bright or sunny spells. It will be mostly dry in the morning, but a little patchy light rain or drizzle at times in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:A band of heavier rain will move east during the evening before clearing eastwards after midnight. then mostly dry through the early hours, but a little rain towards dawn. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
