Anti-crime pact with Malta signed

Ireland signed a new pact with Malta to work more closely together in tackling criminals on both islands.

The bilateral agreement will allow gardaí and Maltese police to exchange information on terrorism, drug trafficking and money laundering.

“The bilateral deal will provide both countries with high level exchange of information between police forces, revenue investigators and crime agencies,” said Justice Minister Dermot Ahern.

The agreement must be approved by the Dáil and Seanad before it comes into force.

Mr Ahern signed the pact with Maltese justice minister, Carmelo Bonnici.

The minister said Ireland and Malta share some of the problems faced by island nations with limited resources.

“We both have extensive coastlines which can and are targeted by drugs gangs as entry points into Europe,” he explained.

“But much of what is successful in fighting drugs crime stems from exchanging intelligence exchange.”

Last year drugs seizures in Ireland amounted to €200m, an increase on the €167.5m in 2007.