Stewart Dickson MLA said: “I am delighted to have been able to welcome SOCA to Stormont for their information event.
“SOCA has a crucial role in tackling human trafficking, drug dealing, fraud, money laundering and fuel smuggling. It has enjoyed many successes and I would like to congratulate the representatives from SOCA who are here for their hard work and dedication in this regard.
“Securing a better, shared and more prosperous future requires a continued concerted effort to battle serious organised crime. SOCA has worked hard to build strong relationships with the devolved administrations, and the PSNI and I want to commend them on their work. SOCA has placed an emphasis on such cooperation to achieve success. Certainly we are in a much stronger position to address serious organised crime in Northern Ireland with the PSNI and SOCA working together, and with a devolved Department of Justice.
“With the onward march of globalisation and increased worldwide connectivity, the problem of serious organised crime in increasingly international in character. SOCA’s national and international reach is therefore of great benefit to the organisations with whom it cooperates, and also to the security of the people of Northern Ireland.”
ENDS