Ford warns of organised crime threat

10.22.20am GMT Thu 13th May 2010

Justice Minister David Ford

Justice Minister David Ford has urged the farming community not to become victims of organised crime.

The Minister, who also chairs the Organised Crime Task Force (OCTF), was speaking today during a visit the OCTF stand at the Balmoral Show.

Mr Ford said: "Organised crime gangs want to make a profit and they will try and do it wherever they can.

"The agri-sector is not immune from this threat and we have seen some sophisticated attempts by crime gangs to dupe local farmers and line their own pockets.

"The Organised Crime Task Force partners tackled a range of crimes last year ranging from the dismantling of fuel laundering plants on farms to the interception of counterfeit veterinary medicines destined for farms across Northern Ireland.

"Other crude attempts have been made by gangs to make a profit including targeting farms to dump illegal waste and the theft of plant machinery and legally-held firearms.

"I would remind farmers of the need to store their legally held weapons and ammunition securely and in line with the legislation so it does not fall into the hands of these crime gangs.

"I would urge the farming community not to fall prey to the scourge of organised criminals and to work with the agencies in the Task Force to protect their businesses