Organised Crime Task Force delivers “Another year of excellent results”, says Justice Minister Naomi Long

Justice Minister Naomi Long with the Annual Report and Threat Assessment for the Organised Crime Task Force 2023/24

Justice Minister Naomi Long has praised the tireless work of law enforcement and partner agencies in tackling organised crime across Northern Ireland, as the Organised Crime Task Force (OCTF) publishes its latest Annual Report and Threat Assessment.

The 2023/24 report, which outlines significant operational successes, confirms that organised crime remains a persistent threat—but one being met with firm resistance.

“I am grateful for all the agencies involved in delivering another year of excellent results and for their continued, relentless efforts to tackle organised criminality and seize the proceeds of crime,” said Minister Long.

The 94-page report sets out how OCTF partners—led by the PSNI, Border Force, HMRC, and the National Crime Agency—have coordinated operations to combat the trafficking of drugs, counterfeit goods, firearms, and online criminal activity.

Key achievements from the past year include:

• 61 organised crime groups under investigation by the PSNI

• 222 arrests related to organised crime activity

• 8,472 drug seizures

• 187 financial disruption orders, including restraint orders, asset recovery, and account freezes

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

Cocaine remains the most commonly seized Class A drug in Northern Ireland, accounting for 94% of Class A drug seizures.

Minister Long added:

“Organised crime groups show no regard for the harm they are causing to individuals and communities, they are only interested in lining their own pockets. As the results of OCTF partner agencies’ joint operations show—the harm caused to individuals and communities by these criminals will not be tolerated.”

The report highlights that 75% of identified crime groups are involved in drug trafficking. The PSNI alone seized £21 million worth of drugs, with additional substantial seizures made by Border Force and the NCA.

“The excellent work and persistence in pursuing criminals who set out to exploit, threaten and spread misery across communities should not be underestimated,” the Minister said, “but everybody’s help is needed to combat organised crime.”

The Organised Crime Task Force, founded in 2000, is a voluntary multi-agency partnership supported by the Department of Justice. Its coordination continues to be a cornerstone of Northern Ireland’s strategy to dismantle criminal networks and protect communities.

The full OCTF Annual Report and Threat Assessment 2023/24 is available via the Department of Justice website:

justice-ni.gov.uk/publications/octf-annual-report-and-threat-assessment-23-24