News

Goggins hosts organised crime awareness seminar in Enniskillen

Date Posted: Tuesday 26 February 2008

Paul Goggins, MP and Chair of the Organised Crime Task Force (OCTF) has met representatives from Fermanagh’s Civic and Business community and young people from schools in the area during a two day seminar held in Enniskillen aimed at raising awareness of organised crime.

The event was held in the Killyhevlin Hotel and representatives from OCTF law enforcement partners focused specifically on the threats to the local community from organised criminal networks.

The OCTF also used the seminar as an opportunity to launch an information DVD on the work of the law enforcement agencies who, in partnership, tackle organised crime across Northern Ireland.

Paul Goggins said: “Organised crime affects everyone, local traders in Fermanagh are losing business because of counterfeit goods sold illegally in fraudulent outlets and some market stalls.”

Delegates were able to see first hand typical examples of the how criminals who engage in the manufacture of counterfeit goods deprive legitimate retailers of business. They also saw how fuel laundering and illegal dumping threatens the community on a daily basis.

Around 200 young people from schools in the area attended the event. They also had the opportunity to visit the six themed exhibitions on different aspects of criminal activity and listened to what they can do in the fight against organised crime in their area.

The Minister continued:“Fuel laundering and illegal dumping are filthy activities that line the pockets of criminals yet can do long lasting damage to our natural environment. Farmers and rural communities suffer from these types of crime, as they pollute the land and waterways, and cost thousands of pounds to clean up.”

More information about the threat from organised criminals to local communities across Northern Ireland can be found on www.octf.gov.uk