A MAJOR cross-border conference has been held to combat mobs across Ireland engaged in serious organised crime.
The annual event, held at Belfast’s Europa Hotel, was attended by Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris and Deputy Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly.
They were joined by Northern Ireland Justice Minister Naomi Long and Police Service Northern Ireland Deputy Chief Constable Bobby Singleton.
The aim was to explore the threat posed by gangs’ drug-dealing, arms imports, human trafficking and cybercrime.
Other issues discussed included rural crime, and the growth of the far-right.
The conference also heard from investigators operating on both sides of the border as they continue to target the island’s most dangerous crime networks.
Delegates vowed to continue their efforts against organised crime, through “innovation and collaboration”.
Here, Crime Editor Stephen Breen reports from Belfast on some of the key battlegrounds that were highlighted during the event.
TRANSNATIONAL CRIME GANGS
NARCO terrorist gangs from South America are continuing to use Ireland as a “transport route” for their drug shipments.
And the cross-border conference also heard how Ireland was continuing to be exploited by the cartels.
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris outlined how he did not want Ireland to be a “weak spot” or “soft target” when it came to transnational drug shipments.
Ireland’s most senior officer revealed how many of the shipments coming into Ireland were destined for other European markets.
Commissioner Harris also said how Gardai would continue to remain “very aware” of the threat and the trans-Atlantic routes used by the cartels.
Deputy Chief Constable Singleton also outlined law enforcement would continue to concerned about the threat from maritime shipments.
Justice Minister O’Callaghan said we can be proud of the strong levels of co-operation that exist between the criminal justice agencies on this island.
He said: “We’ve seen examples recently where successful cross border co-operation between An Garda Síochána and the PSNI has led to arrests in murder cases and to a seizure of a large amount of drugs only in the last week.
“That collaboration at all levels should send a very clear message to organised criminals that the border is not something that can be exploited for criminal gain.”
ST PATRICK’S DAY
GARDA Commissioner Drew Harris vowed there would be a “robust response” to any far-right demonstrations at next week’s St Patrick’s Day parade.
The senior officer highlighted the response to the Dublin riots and Coolock riots, with over 135 arrests already made.
Commissioner Harris also mentioned the importance of intelligence gathering and public order policing when dealing with the far right activists.
The main theme ahead of next week’s parades – both in the Republic and Northern Ireland – will be prevention.
Both police forces also outlined how they would not “be complacent” when it came to possible disruption during the parades.
RURAL CRIME
Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan outlined how rural crime was a “important issue” for his Department.
The Minister was speaking at his first border conference and outlined the importance of collaboration when it came to combating rural crime.
The TD also confirmed his belief that co-operation between the Gardai and the PSNI was increasing as they continue to fight organised crime.
Minister O’Callaghan said: “Those involved in organised criminality need to know that they will not be allowed to enjoy the profits of their illegal activity and, equally, I want communities to know that this will not be tolerated by society.”
Top cop Harris added: “As has been highlighted on many occasions, we do know that crime knows no borders, and there are criminal networks who will seek to exploit borders to commit serious crime and devastate our communities.
“And so, it takes a network to defeat a network. I firmly believe by working in partnership we can indeed disrupt and dismantle those networks who seek to take advantage of our communities by flouting the law.”
Minister Long also spoke of the importance of co-operation when it came to tackling crimes along the border.
HUMAN TRAFFICKING
CRIMINAL gangs are using the same “pipelines and connections” for various crimes.
The conference heard how the gangs who were involved in drug dealing were also involved in human trafficking and other serious crimes.
And NI Justice Minister Long outlined how the best way to combat these criminal acts was to “dismantle these organisations and disrupt their activities.”
She said: “Organised criminals are agile and innovative. They find new ways of exploiting people’s vulnerabilities for their own gain, and in turn, we must adapt in our collective response and ensure their actions will not go unchallenged.”
Justice Minister O’Callaghan also said that the authorities must ensure that the common travel area between Ireland and the UK most not be abused by criminal gangs.
The Fianna Fail man would also emphasise how co-operation was key to target the criminals who “inflict intimidation, violence and misery” on families and communities.
