Task force says 50% of crime linked to paramilitaries

It has been claimed that nearly half the organised crime in the North is linked to loyalist or republican paramilitary groups.

The second annual report of the North's Organised Crime Task Force says, they are responsible for cigarette smuggling, counterfeit designer clothing, CD's, videos, fuel, alcohol and drugs.

Northern Assistant Police Chief Constable Chris Albiston says it is a direct result of the North's terrorist campaigns.

“Much of this owes its origins to the legacy of terrorism, the prevalence of extortion, blackmail, armed robbery and fraud in all communities today owes its origins to criminal infrastructures which control terrorist activity,” he said.