Organised crime groups dealt £26.5m blow as hundreds of victims of exploitation identified across Northern Ireland

Justice Minister Naomi Long with the Annual Report and Threat Assessment for the Organised Crime Task Force 2024/25

Northern Ireland’s organised crime groups were hit by more than £26.5 million worth of drug seizures over the past year, while 651 potential victims of modern slavery and human trafficking were identified, according to the latest annual assessment of serious organised crime.

The figures are contained in the Organised Crime Task Force (OCTF) Annual Report for 2024/25, published on Monday, highlighting the scale of organised criminal activity across Northern Ireland and the work of law enforcement agencies to disrupt it.

Drugs remain the biggest organised crime threat

The report concludes that organised crime groups continue to play a major role in supplying illegal drugs, with an estimated 75% of organised crime groups involved in drug trafficking.

During 2024/25:

• PSNI made 6,951 drug seizures

• 3,128 people were arrested for drug-related offences

• 146 arrests were linked directly to organised crime groups

• More than £26.5 million worth of Class A and Class B drugs were seized by OCTF partners

• Cocaine remained the most commonly seized Class A drug

• 228 restraint orders, cash seizures, asset recoveries and account freezing orders were secured

• 651 potential victims of modern slavery and human trafficking were referred to the National Referral Mechanism

The figures underline both the continued scale of organised crime in Northern Ireland and the extensive resources being devoted to disrupting criminal networks.

Justice Minister praises enforcement efforts

Launching the report, Justice Minister Naomi Long said the agencies involved had continued delivering results despite ongoing pressures on public services.

“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.”

She added:

“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.”

Millions of pounds’ worth of drugs taken off the streets

Highlighting the impact of enforcement activity, the Minister said the volume of drug seizures represented a significant setback for organised crime groups.

“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 £21 million — and Border Force and National Crime Agency involved in further seizures — is a significant blow to these groups.”

She also warned that organised crime continues to cause widespread harm beyond drug trafficking.

“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.”

Public urged to help tackle organised crime

The report also highlights the continuing threats posed by cybercrime, counterfeit goods, offensive weapons and human exploitation.

Long said public support remains an important part of disrupting organised criminal networks.

“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.”

While the latest figures show sustained success in disrupting organised crime, the report concludes that these criminal networks continue to adapt and evolve, meaning law enforcement agencies expect the fight against organised crime to remain a major priority across Northern Ireland.