PSNI and key groups praised by Policing Board

Members of the Northern Ireland Policing Board have been told of the significant work and successes of the Organised Crime Task Force (OCTF) at a briefing session in its Clarendon Dock Headquarters today.

At the first formal meeting with the Security Minister and the Chair of the OCTF, Paul Goggins, Board Members were updated on the work of the OCTF during the last year, and following publication of the Threat Assessment earlier this week, advised of the priorities for the year ahead.

Speaking at the meeting, Board Chairman Professor Sir Desmond Rea, praised the work of the PSNI and key partner agencies, the Assets Recovery Agency (ARA) the Serious and Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) and Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC), in the fight against organised crime.

“The smuggling of fuel and tobacco, counterfeiting, drugs, extortion, armed robbery and money laundering affect communities right across Northern Ireland and have a major impact on our economy. It is clear that there have been significant successes in the past year and all the agencies involved are to be commended for their success.

“Counterfeiting in particular is not a victimless crime and the ‘bargain bucket’ cost of some goods is a false economy. With a range of highly toxic contents added to cigarettes, alcohol and drugs these goods are potential killers and those who buy these illegal products must realise the risks being taken.”

Sir Desmond said the Board is “very much alive” to the impact of organised crime such as extortion, cash-in-transit robberies and kidnappings.

Referring to yesterday’s ‘tiger kidnapping’ of a north Belfast bank worker and family said: “the latest incident in North Belfast was a traumatic experience for those held captive.”

At today’s meeting members were also briefed on the merger between the Assets Recovery Agency and the Serious and Organised Crime Agency which is due to take effect from April 2008.

(JM)