Pearson learns of organised crime in Canada

The Security Minister and Chair of the Organised Crime Task Force, Ian Pearson, has said there are benefits to be found in tackling cross border criminal activity through sharing of information and partnership between agencies.

The Minister was speaking from Canada where he is meeting with key figures in law enforcement to learn from their experience in tackling organised crime.

He said: “Organised crime is an international business and I am keen to share the experiences and strategy of the Northern Ireland Organised Crime Task Force (OCTF) with our partners in Canada and their operational effectiveness in trying to combat the problem.”

Highlighting the similarities between the operating environment in Canada and Northern Ireland, Mr Pearson said: “I see many similarities between the Canadian Integrated Border Enforcement Team (IBET) and the OCTF and in particular the relationship between OCTF and the authorities in the Republic of Ireland.

“IBET is a multi-agency law enforcement team, built on the model of information sharing and partnership, and which is targeted at thwarting cross-border criminal activity.

“It is by sharing experiences that we will be better equipped to take on the criminals. Northern Ireland has developed strong links with Canada over the years, while the PSNI have strong links with the RCMP.”

Mr Pearson will today meet with Giuliano Zaccardelli, Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), before speaking with officials from the RCMP Drugs and Organised Crime Division.

He will also meet with Bill Hubble, Acting Director General of the Criminal Intelligence Service Canada (CISC) and receive an overview of the Integrated Border Enforcement Team (IBET) operations and the Cross Border Crime Forum (Project Northstar).

(MB/SP)