Ulster Unionist justice spokesperson Tom Elliott has praised the work of the Organised Crime Task Force (OCTF) following the publication of its annual report which sets out the successes of the previous year as well as outlining the main threats and the actions looking ahead.

The Fermanagh & South Tyrone MLA said;

‘I welcome the report published today by the OCTF as it highlights the good work which has been done by criminal justice agencies over 2011/12 in removing over £13 million worth of drugs from our streets, closing down 30 laundering plants and seizing 863,000 litres of
illegal fuel with a value of £1.3 million. 33 victims of human trafficking were also rescued. The agencies and organisations within the OCTF, including the Police Service of Northern Ireland, Department of Justice and the Policing Board, should be commended for these
results.’

‘However, the report also makes clear that organised crime continue to pose a significant threat going forward. The continued development of the areas of fraud and criminal finance and the emergence of legal highs within a rapidly changing drugs market are just some examples of that. It is also pointed out that dissident republican groups remain largely dependent on organised crime to fund their activities and we must therefore make real progress in tackling organised crime in order to deal effectively with the actions of dissident republicans.’

‘The Annual Report also outlines the way ahead and I am pleased to note the amount of work which is due to be undertaken in relation to the scourge of human trafficking. We need to raise awareness of this form of modern day slavery and we must work to increase the number of convictions secured in Northern Ireland for this crime. The Lord Chief Justice is also continuing to take forward a programme of action on sentencing and the Ulster Unionist Party look forward to an update on this fundamentally important area.’

ENDS