The annual cross border seminar on organised crime is taking place in Dundalk today Wednesday, the 18th September.
The seminar is being attended by senior policing officials from An Garda Síochána and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).
The seminar enables both police services to enhance the existing shared co-operation in combating cross border crime. It also provides for an opportunity to discuss emerging threats and share knowledge.
Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan expressed his pleasure at the strengthening of the relationship between An Garda Síochána and the PSNI:
"Initiatives such as this two day organised crime cross border co-operation seminar highlight the strong operational links between the two forces. It is through the sharing of knowledge and the joint implementation of actionable objectives that both An Garda Síochána and the PSNI can ensure that we are best equipped to tackle the ever evolving face of cross border organised crime.
This is to ensure that this type of crime is, as far as possible, eliminated through effective crime prevention methodologies and ensuring all possible leads are thoroughly and professionally exhausted regardless of where it emanates from, be it north or south of the border.”
Assistant Chief Constable Drew Harris said:
"The Police Service of Northern Ireland remains committed to working closely with our colleagues in An Garda Siochana to tackle organised crime.
Our experience shows that organised crime groups continue to work cross border, sometimes ignoring the border completely and other times using it to their advantage, but by working closely together, we can disrupt the activities of those involved.
This seminar gives us the opportunity to discuss areas of concern and emerging issues but I would also remind everyone of their own responsibilities in the fight against organised crime. Every time you buy dodgy cigarettes, cheap fuel or counterfeit goods, you are providing funds for organised crime. You are helping line the pockets of those involved in drugs, human trafficking and terrorism. By saying no, you can help us keep everyone safe.”
