The Justice Minister has praised the Organised Crime Task Force
(OCTF) for its relentless efforts to target those who profit from
harm, exploitation, and fear.
The Minister has today published the OCTF's Annual Report for
2024/25. It outlines the work of criminal justice agencies in
tackling organised crime and sets out the latest threat
assessment and operational response across key crime types.
The Minister said: This past year has again presented significant
challenges for Northern Ireland, not least continuing financial
pressures and demands on public services. Despite this, my
commitment to making Northern Ireland a safer place, with less
crime and fewer victims, remains unwavering.
The work of disrupting Organised Crime Groups (OCGs), pursuing
offenders, and bringing them to justice remains both complex and
demanding. As the nature of the threat evolves, policing and law
enforcement partners continue to show adaptability and
innovation, embracing new technologies and responding effectively
to both established and emerging threats.
I am deeply grateful to all the agencies involved for delivering
another strong year of results, and for their relentless efforts
to target those who profit from harm, exploitation, and fear in
our communities.
The 68-page report outlines the efforts of OCTF partners to
thwart drugs, counterfeit goods, offensive weapons and cybercrime
across Northern Ireland.
During 2024/25:
- 651 potential victims of modern slavery and human trafficking
were referred to the National Referral Mechanism a UK framework
to identify and support victims
- 146 arrests by PSNI related to organised crime groups
- 6,951 drug seizures were made by PSNI
- 3,128 drug related arrests
- 228 restraint orders, cash seizures, lifted assets and
account freezing orders were made
- Cocaine was the most seized Class A drug in Northern Ireland
Organised crime groups in Northern Ireland continue to play a
major role in the supply of illicit drugs, with OCTF partners
seizing over £26.5 million worth of Class A and Class B
substances this year, reflecting both the scale of the threat and
the effectiveness of coordinated enforcement efforts.
Minister Long said: It is assessed that 75% of organised crime
groups are involved in the supply of drugs, so police alone
seizing drugs with an estimated street value of £21m - and
Border Force and National Crime Agency involved in further
seizures - is a significant blow to these groups.
The excellent work and persistence in pursuing criminals who set
out to exploit, threaten and spread misery across communities
should not be underestimated, but everybody's help is needed to
combat organised crime.
It remains vital that the strong collaborative work of the OCTF
continues to counter these threats, as organised crime continues
to harm communities.
Alongside enforcement, public awareness and support are essential
to effectively disrupt these networks and reduce their impact
across Northern Ireland. By reporting suspicious or criminal
activity, individuals can make a meaningful contribution to
protecting their communities. By working together for fairness,
justice and safety, we can all play our part in challenging
organised crime at every level and building safer communities
where people respect the law and each other.
Notes to editors:
- The full report is available online: OCTF Annual Report and Threat
Assessment 2024-2025 | Department of Justice
- The OCTF is a voluntary, multi-agency partnership which was
established in Northern Ireland in 2000. The co-ordination of the
OCTF is supported by Department of Justice.
