Cree supports PSNI targeting of smugglers

Ulster Unionist MLA for North Down and Northern Ireland Policing Board member Leslie Cree has congratulated the PSNI for its continued efforts in arresting persons suspected of smuggling illegal goods into Northern Ireland.

Mr. Cree said, "Smuggling illegal goods into Northern Ireland feeds and breeds further criminality. This time last year, we saw the successful targeting of an organised crime gang who were involved in drugs and gun running. I would like to congratulate the police for their commitment to inter-agency collaboration which has ensured that criminal gangs are successfully targeted and illegal goods confiscated.

"Last year there were over 3,000 drug seizure incidents and over 2,000 persons arrested for drug related offences. We know too well the dangers of drugs and how addiction damages the physical and mental health of drug-users and harms their families and communities.

"Smuggling tobacco costs the exchequer, the taxpayer and our public services. In 2006/07 it is estimated that tobacco fraud and smuggling cost the UK £3.1 million in lost revenue. The purpose of smuggling of weaponry and ammunition is worrying and spreads further criminal activity.

"Smuggling weaponry, drugs, tobacco and counterfeit goods is not in the interests of anyone within Northern Ireland except for the criminal few who wish to exploit people."

"Nowadays, we live in a globalised world and this applies to the criminal underworld as much as legitimate business. I again wish to congratulate the PSNI for their persistent efforts and commitment to inter-agency co-operation to foil smugglers bringing illegal goods into Northern Ireland and hope to see more arrests in the weeks and months ahead."

Notes to editor

The key successes of the OCTF during 2008/09 include the seizure of over £23 million of illegal drugs, the seizure of almost £1 million litres of illicit fuel, the seizure of over £2 million counterfeit goods.