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)